CHARLES HEDGES HIS BETS
Mulling over a number of options with regard to revisiting the field of Murten (22 June 1476), such as revising my initial effort (please see “Modeling Morat,” posted to this blog on 24 January) or perhaps reconstructing a counterfactual of the historically one-sided engagement, or even attempting a mini-campaign of the siege of the fortress town which gave its name to the battle, I thought it might prove worthwhile to conduct a little experiment that would provide me with some actual experience in commanding Burgundian and Swiss formations on my non-traditional or atypical tabletop.
A few questions needed to be answered before I set up the “laboratory” and got to “work.” Did I want to stage a large battle, using the 10.5 by 3.75-feet playing surface, or did I think a smaller contest (on a 6 by 3.75-feet table) would be better, more manageable? Directly related to this, what rules did I want to employ? The answer to this significant head-scratcher would depend on the availability and content of the appropriate army lists as well as the structure of the game move sequence and the number of dice and/or dice rolls needed to resolve missile fire and melee. In a brief survey of options, it was noted that I could take the Armati route. Here, I could use either the lists supplied in the rulebook or the alternate lists provided by ‘Aetius’ on the Warflute site. Proceeding alphabetically, I could also take a look at L’Art de la Guerre (ADLG), 3rd Edition, Simon Miller’s To The Strongest!, or the Washington Grand Company’s TRIUMPH! rules. If I were feeling especially ambitious, and going out of alphabetical order, I suppose that I could develop army lists as well as special rules for artillery and handgunners for an exercise using the Tactica II rules. To be certain and with every decision, there were pros and cons for each selection. For example, I would not have to use dice or rulers if a game were staged using TtS! However, if this approach were taken, then I would not be able to model the “fall backs” or “pursuits” that are an integral part of the TRIUMPH! system. The Armati mechanics and unit representation were certainly familiar (I have a fairly long and storied history with these rules), but the variety of formations was rather “vanilla” when compared to the army lists supplied in the colorful and thick ADLG rules. (To be fair, most of the pages in this thick and colorful book are dedicated to an extensive catalog of army lists.) The variety of terrain features available in the Armati lists and rules also paled in comparison to the veritable smorgasbord of options and types provided in ADLG.
After thinking it over for a few days, I decided on the Armati “option.” In addition to the modified army lists provided by ‘Aetius,’ I would incorporate some artillery on the Burgundian side of the fictional battlefield. These primitive cannon were drawn from the army list found in the Advanced Armati rulebook. The “special” terrain required for this solo experiment would consist of several lengths of linear obstacles. This terrain feature is described and its effects on various aspects of the game are detailed in Section 9 of the Competition Rules in the original Armati rules. (Section 11.7 of Armati 2nd Edition contains essentially the same paragraphs, but there is no mention of artillery or guns.) With regard to size and scale of this solo project, well, I decided to enlist armies three-times the normal or usual size. The Swiss Cantons would be reinforced by 270 points of bonus units (90 bonus points for each core force), while the Burgundians would be supported by 225 points of bonus units (75 points for each core force). The difference in points was deemed acceptable, as the Burgundians would have the advantage of position. They would also enjoy the benefit of having artillery. As for scale, I would employ Epic Unit Sizes, but the 15mm dimensions would be reduced by 50 percent so that I could fit the comparatively large armies on my smaller tabletop.
Deployments & Plans
The arrangement of the Burgundian defensive position is shown in Pictures 1 through 4. Broadly speaking, skirmishers were placed forward of the hastily constructed abatis and quickly dug so rather shallow ditch. The works were garrisoned by archers and pikemen as well as a handful of dismounted knights. There were a few concentrations of primitive cannon. There were also a few units of Voulgiers in the line. As for the mounted contingent of the Burgundian force, two groups of knights were placed in reserve on either side of the central position. There was an additional formation of heavy cavalry supporting the knights on the right-center. The vast majority of the Burgundian units were designated as “uncontrolled,” as their primary task was to defend their sector of the defensive line. Command and control was focused on the skirmishers, the cavalry, and a few small “divisions” of heavy infantry or heavy infantry and archers.
Picture 1 / The Burgundian right, with a variety of infantry standing behind an improvised defensive work consisting of fencing, hedges, etc. The heavy foot and longbow units wait behind the barrier (the light green markers indicate that the formations are “uncontrolled” [according to page 8 of the Armati 2nd Edition rules, uncontrolled units “may not move, except to Charge into Melee against an enemy unit that cannot be Dispersed”], while the skirmishers are deployed forward on the level ground. The Burgundians have some cannon with them. Two groups or divisions of cavalry will also be noted to the left of this position (at the top of the frame). The first group is knights; the second group is heavy cavalry.
Picture 2 / The Burgundian center, protected by two “batteries” of artillery as well as reinforced by a small division of three heavy foot units. There is a group of longbow archers, in the open, to the right of the defensive line. The Burgundian center has several skirmisher units out front.
Picture 3 / The Burgundian center-left, which consisted of more skirmishers screening a line of heavier foot and guns behind a “hedge.” These formations as well as the small reserve of pikemen and cavalry (just visible on the lower left of the frame) were situated on level ground instead of the forward slope or near the crest of a hill. Note that the majority of the units are “uncontrolled,” and that a “company” of longbow archers stands directly behind the guns.
Picture 4 / The Burgundian left, which shows a familiar deployment or arrangement of troop types. Skirmishers are forward of the main defensive line. There are some cannon positioned and these “tubes” are supported by some archers. There is a single formation of pikemen stationed as a reserve.
The plan of the Burgundian commanders consisted of four main points. First, the artillery and archers would inflict as many casualties as possible on the enemy formations. Second, the pikemen and other heavy infantry would hold the line. (The defensive works would cause some disorder—it was hoped—among the Swiss, and the withdrawn skirmishers would provide some support as the enemy attacks developed.) The third point would see the reserve formations of foot being used to plug any gaps that appeared in the line. The final point of the battle plan concerned the cavalry. The knights and heavy cavalry would attempt to swing around the flank or rear of the engaged Swiss formations and by doing so, act as the “hammer” against the “anvil” of the hastily constructed defensive works.
The Swiss vanguard, main body and rearguard were deployed, in slight echelon, just over two crossbow bolt shots away from the screen of Burgundian skirmishers. Pictures 5 through 8 provide a pre-battle view of the Swiss deployment. The vanguard was positioned on the right of the line. These pikemen and halberdiers were screened by a large block or cloud of skirmishers armed with crossbows and handguns. There were also three units of light cavalry armed with crossbows scampering about on the right of this formation. To strengthen and support the comparatively dense skirmisher screen, there were a few units of light-heavy infantry added to the formation. Three units of Men at Arms formed a kind of link between the vanguard and the main body. To the left of these allied heavy cavalry, 10 units of Swiss foot were deployed. These stubborn infantry were arranged in two groups of five “regiments.” This main body was screened by just a handful of skirmishers. Further to the left, there was the rearguard. This formation consisted of six units of foot, arranged in two groups of three “regiments.” This formation had no skirmisher screen. It should be noted that all of the Swiss infantry, that is the foot of the Cantons, were deployed in depth. Per the adjusted Armati rules then, these units had a frontage of just 2 centimeters and a depth of 4.5 centimeters.
Picture 5 / The Swiss right, showing the large skirmisher screen in front of the vanguard. The skirmishers include crossbowmen, handgunners, and light-heavy infantry armed with halberds. A few units of light cavalry (armed with crossbows) operate to the right of the comparatively small vanguard formation.
Picture 6 / A few units of allied Men at Arms were positioned between the Swiss vanguard and main body. A portion of the Swiss main command can be seen. This powerful formation is screened by just a handful of skirmishers.
Picture 7 / A better view of the Swiss center and main command or formation. Ten units of deployed-in-depth pikemen and halberdiers make up this strike force. There is a small skirmisher screen and the right of the formation is protected by some heavy cavalry or Men at Arms.
Picture 8 / The Swiss rearguard, drawn up to the left of the main body. These six units of foot have no skirmisher screen at all, as the majority of skirmishers have been tasked to screening the vanguard. (The piles of red and purple markers are for indicating unit losses and fatigue levels, respectively.)
The plan formulated by the Swiss officers was simple in comparison to the one developed by the Burgundian leaders. The Swiss main body was tasked with advancing, engaging, and breaking through the enemy center. The vanguard would occupy the enemy forces on the right of this axis of advance. The small formation of Men at Arms would support this effort. The rearguard would protect the left flank of the main body.
How It Played
The first six turns of this scenario were dominated by the slow advance of the Swiss formations across the green expanse of the model battlefield. With the exception of the slight movement or repositioning of some cavalry units, the Burgundians, even their skirmisher screens, remained rooted to the ground. To be sure, when the Swiss skirmishers came into range of crossbow bolts and handgun bullets, the Burgundians began showering the enemy lines with various types of missiles. On the fifth and sixth turns of the action, the Burgundian artillery on the left side of their defensive line were able to target the denser formations of Swiss light-heavy infantry and inflict casualties on them solid shot or spherical stones. Swiss light cavalry engaged in a “running firefight” with Burgundian skirmishers on the extreme Swiss right. After being pelted—that is to say fatigued—by numerous volleys of crossbow bolts and handgun discharges, the light cavalry galloped forward and dispersed the annoying Burgundian skirmishers. As the large block or cloud of Swiss skirmishers approached the Burgundian left-center, it divided into two smaller formations, with the right-hand group wheeling slightly towards the hill and waiting Burgundians.
Picture 9 / An aerial view of the center of the battlefield, showing the slow approach of the Swiss formations toward the static Burgundian lines. If one looks closely, a purple (fatigue) marker can be seen on one of the Burgundian skirmisher units. In the scrub or light woods to the rear of the main Burgundian line, there is a black d6 and three red d6. The black die records the army initiative for the Burgundians, while the red dice track their key unit losses. The white d6 are held in reserve for use when the cannon begin to fire. Under the rules, guns can only fire every other turn. If a “battery” engages on Turn 4, it cannot fire again until the corresponding sub-phase of Turn 6. The white d6s are a simple way to keep track of this.
Elsewhere on the field, the opposing lines of skirmishers continued to shoot at one another with very little effect. There was the odd fatigue marker placed here or there, but the participating lines remained intact. The Swiss skirmishers halted within range of their enemy counterparts and while letting fly with bolts or discharging handguns, they waited for their heavier comrades, deployed in depth and carrying pikes or halberds, to catch up. At the end of six turns of play, the Swiss pike blocks were still five moves or so away from reaching the defensive works of the Burgundians. However, the pikemen and supporting halberdiers were just one move away from entering the range window of the Burgundian artillery and two moves away from entering the range window of the Burgundian archers.
Picture 10 / A snapshot of the action or status of the left side of the Burgundian line around Turn 7. The large “cloud” of Swiss skirmishers can be seen edging closer to the defensive works and waiting group of knights. A smaller section has split off and is moving up to the enemy skirmishers in front of the additional works placed on the level ground. Again, a couple of fatigue markers can be found on inspection. The Swiss have taken some casualties from artillery salvoes, as their light-heavy formations have red markers on them. (The artillery cannot target skirmisher formations; they need a denser body of troops to range in on.)
Picture 11 / Another and later view of the developing action on the Swiss right/Burgundian left. The “cloud” of Swiss skirmishers is much reduced as the Burgundian knights have trotted forward and dispersed a number of the units. The Swiss light-heavy infantry continues to suffer at the hands of the slow to load and fire Burgundian cannon. Over on the far left of the Burgundian line, some Swiss light horse have moved up to harass the “protected” troops with crossbow bolts.
The Swiss infantry blocks continued to advance during the next few turns. As they neared the Burgundian defensive line, the enemy artillery was able to range in on some of the deep formations and exact a toll. The opposing lines of skirmishers continued to challenge one another, with very little in the way of actual results. However, the “clouds” of Swiss did manage to force the Burgundian screens—at least those on the right of the advance and in the center—to withdraw behind the main defensive line. The screen fronting the Burgundian right was able to advance and even start to work its way around the left flank of the Nachhut formation. The pikemen and halberdiers did not pay any attention to this “threat.” They were focused on the harder work that lay directly ahead of them.
Picture 12 / A close-up of the previous picture, showing the differences between the pike formations and units of longbow archers. The green markers (indicating “uncontrolled” units) are plainly visible as are the red casualty markers on the Swiss light-heavy infantry.
In the comparatively open and flat terrain over on the Burgundian left, a small group of knights trotted forward to disrupt the thick screen of Swiss skirmishers. These horsemen were briefly occupied by tackling a unit of Swiss light-heavy infantry, but the “wall” of skirmishers was effectively dismantled. Continuing their forward progress, the knights ran into the pikemen and halberdiers of the Vorhut. A vicious melee ensued, which saw quite a few knights fall until a unit managed to get around the right flank of the Swiss and launch a devastating charge. The resulting contest was closely fought, but the Burgundians won. The rout of one block of Swiss infantry caused the panic of another. Fortunately, the local disaster was stopped there. As payback, the Swiss were able to defeat and destroy a separate unit of knights. Further to the right of this bloody engagement, Swiss skirmishers and light cavalry armed with crossbows continued to annoy the Burgundian units guarding the far left of their line, but inflicted no casualties.
Picture 13 / The Burgundian knights on the center-left of the line have taken on the Swiss Vorhut formations from the front. The depth of the Swiss formations reduce the impact of the impetus of the knights. In strict terms of the combat value or the opposing units, the Swiss have a +2 advantage. The foot formations also have more unit breakpoints and do not tire as quickly as the armored knights on horseback. However, the unit of knights on the left of the disordered line does have an opening against the exposed right flank of the one Swiss formation. This could spell trouble. And it did, in big bold letters.
Picture 14 / Over on the Burgundian left, a desperate attempt by the much reduced Swiss light-heavy infantry to dole out some punishment on the artillery crews that have been causing so many casualties. (Light-heavy units have a break point of three.) In addition to advancing over or through the improvised line of fencing, hedges and so forth, the Swiss foot will have to deal with crews and the unit of Voulgiers just to the right of the “battery.”
After enduring several volleys from the Burgundian archers and fewer volleys from their supporting cannon, the Swiss center finally made contact with the defensive works. The ensuing melees were disorganized and violent (when is a melee not?), but the Swiss pikemen and halberdiers were able to punch through the abatis and rout most of the defenders. The crews for the primitive guns were given special attention by the Swiss infantry. One stubborn unit of Burgundian pikemen stood and fought, and there was a small reserve on the higher slope getting ready to join in the fight. In conjunction with this much anticipated central attack, the allied Men at Arms went forward on the center-right. These formations had suffered from small arms, cannon shot and arrows as well. They could not claim impetus with the upslope charge and urging their mounts across the barrier. The fighting here was bloody and inconclusive. There was no rupture of the Burgundian line. In fact, one unit of Men at Arms had to reverse course as a group of enemy knights was rapidly approaching.
This unit of Burgundian knights was comparatively fresh from the destruction of the Vorhut over on the Swiss right. The deep formations of foot had been caught from the flank as well as charged from the front. Appalling dice rolls resulted in the rout of the charged units and equally appalling dice saw their neighbors break in panic when contacted by fleeing survivors. This local disaster also witnessed the wounding and capture of the Swiss commander in this sector. In summary, the Swiss right was no more. While there were skirmishers and light cavalry still present, these units could not really do anything against the Burgundian position, and they certainly could not interfere with the victorious units of knights looking for another flank or rear to charge.
Picture 15 / On the other side of the “model” battlefield, the Swiss Nacchut has come under attack by another group of Burgundian knights. In this exchange, the dice favored the Burgundians. Two Swiss formations were much reduced but not broken by a powerful charge of armored and lance-bearing horsemen. It certainly helped that the Burgundians won the move initiative and were able to dictate the direction in which melees were resolved. Note: There is a group of Burgundian skirmishers that are moving behind the Swiss rearguard.
Over on the Burgundian right, a foolish or brave division of knights hurled themselves at the approaching formations of the Swiss Nachhut. The initial die rolls were not friendly to the Swiss cause here, either. Two blocks of pikemen and halberdiers were decimated in the first round of melee. As the fighting progressed, however, the Swiss regained their footing and were able to mete out punishment to the enemy horsemen. When the dust settled, two-thirds of the Burgundian knights were dead, wounded, or galloping to the rear as fast as they could. The Swiss had lost a “regiment,” and a few other units suffered quite a number of casualties.
Picture 16 / A look at the center of the field as the Swiss main body draws ever closer to the Burgundian line. The skirmishers of both sides have withdrawn behind their heavier counterparts to let the “big boys” settle the issue. The Swiss blocks will have to climb the slope of the hill as well as cross the defensive works. Obviously, this will give an advantage to the defenders. However, there are a couple of longbow units manning the works. How well will they stand up to fierce Swiss pikemen and halberdiers?
The next two turns witnessed more of the same. The Swiss right was virtually non-existent. There were a few units of skirmishers left, but these could do nothing except harass the Burgundian foot standing comfortably behind the hastily constructed defensive works. In fact, along one point of the improvised barrier, two annoyed units of Burgundians made a sally and dispersed a fair number of Swiss skirmishers who were caught flat-footed.
Picture 17 / The question has been answered. This photo shows the progress made by the Swiss after sweeping over the barricade and sweeping away many of the defenders. The cannons and crew have been eliminated as have the longbow units. The Swiss have paid a price in terms of unit break points and fatigue markers, but their numbers appear to be overwhelming. There seems to be little that the Burgundians can do to stop this Swiss tide from rolling over the units still facing it.
Moving over to the center, a unit of Burgundian knights had charged into a unit of Men at Arms. (The latter unit having “sacrificed” itself to save the exposed right flank and rear of the main body of Swiss foot.) Another unit of knights was beginning to move in this same direction, providing yet another threat to the Swiss main formation. As for the assault against the main or central part of the Burgundian line, the Swiss juggernaut had rolled over the defensive works and its garrison. Though somewhat disorganized and hurt by the action, the Swiss continued their advance. There were two units of Burgundian troops standing in the way. From a numbers standpoint, however, it did not look at all good for the Burgundians.
Picture 18 / Taken on the Burgundian right late in the action. The wearing down of the Swiss Nachhut is evident. The cost to the Burgundian knights is also obvious; they have lost 2/3 of their men. The supporting heavy cavalry has been moved up to launch a new attack while the wounded Swiss struggle to make further inroads against the enemy line. The unprotected unit of longbow archers did a lot of damage to the column of Swiss aimed at it. The succession of concentrated volleys saw scores of Swiss soldiers fall in the front ranks.
Picture 19 / Another view of the center very late in the battle. The Swiss have pushed forward to engage the reserve on the second tier of the hill. The majority of defenders have been destroyed or forced to flee. There are regrouping skirmishers behind the pikemen and dismounted knights, but they cannot stand versus the oncoming Swiss. The two units on the right will need to reorient themselves to participate, which will result in their temporary disorder. The chances are very good that the Swiss will march right past them while these Burgundian foot try to sort themselves out.
An examination of the Swiss reserve formation revealed that three units were very near to their breaking point (they had suffered three out of a possible four casualties) and three units were about to become exhausted by the strain of combat. While the Burgundian knights were almost done (that is eliminated), a fresh division of friendly heavy cavalry was riding up to take on the tired and wounded Swiss blocks of pikemen and halberdiers.
Picture 20 / A view from the Burgundian center-left shortly before the experiment was halted. The artillery has been destroyed and its crew routed, but the main part of the line remains intact. Two units of Burgundian knights are “free” to move and engage Swiss units within their sight and range of movement. In fact, a unit of allied Men at Arms has already been charged. To the right of the frame, the Swiss main body can be seen. As these troops are occupied with their local success, they run the risk of being caught from the flank or rear by the Burgundian knights coming in from the left flank.
Pulling back for a larger view of the fictional battlefield, the Swiss position did not look very good. To be certain, they were winning in the center. Indeed, it could be argued that the Burgundian center had been pierced if not obliterated. However, the Burgundian flanks remained intact. They definitely had the advantage in cavalry, and they also had quite a few fresh units standing in the line. Granted, most of these formations were “uncontrolled,” but they did have possession of the ground, so that counted for something. On the subject of counting, it was determined that the Swiss had lost 11 key units. If five more key units were broken, then their army would have to quit the field. With several foot units much reduced in strength and their remaining Men at Arms unit in combat or in trouble, the ultimate defeat of the Cantons seemed inevitable. In contrast, the Burgundians had lost only 7 key units. They would have to lose 9 more key units before their morale collapsed and they ran away. An inspection of the field informed that there was a single unit of Burgundians (the aforementioned knights) at risk of being destroyed. The key unit score definitely favored the Burgundians. However, this advantage had to be weighed against the fact that the Burgundian center had been torn asunder. This Swiss advantage had to be considered in light of the fact that there was enemy cavalry present in some numbers and that Swiss blocks, especially when deployed deep, are rather difficult to maneuver and vulnerable to flank attacks.
Acknowledging that an argument could be made for the morale collapse of the Burgundian army; their center had been attacked and punctured after all, it seemed that a slightly stronger position could be advanced for the Burgundians. Two of the three Swiss formations had been neutralized. The vanguard and its commander had been routed. The rearguard was under intense pressure and would likely retreat with significant losses. This left only the main formation. While this formidable force had won in the center, it ran the great risk of becoming surrounded and slaughtered by a combination of missiles and hard-fought melees. Based on this reasoning and thinking, a victory (with a lowercase “v”) was awarded to the Burgundians and their overall commander, Charles the Bold.
Comments & Critique
In some respects, the design or nature of the scenario seemed unfair to the Burgundians. They had to cover or defend the length of the tabletop against a Swiss attack that could be directed against any one section or point of their line. The constraints of the command and control rules did not provide the Burgundians with a lot of freedom. The majority of their formations were marked as “uncontrolled,” and so, were only able to engage enemy units directly to their front and within charge range. Why any Burgundian unit would want to leave the advantage of the barricade is a reasonable and realistic question. And yet, as the Swiss effort became more and more apparent, I wondered why the unengaged portion(s) of the Burgundian line would not have been able to advance and reorient themselves so as to encircle and destroy the remaining Swiss formations. To be certain, the command and control limitations affected the Swiss attack(s) as well. Units deployed in depth are rather difficult to move in any other direction that straight forward. They can wheel, but the process is extremely slow. Units deployed in depth are also rather vulnerable to flank attacks, especially by hard-charging knights. The comparatively quick evaporation of Swiss army initiative left their central command between a “rock and a hard place” in that it could not divide or separate any further to exploit the local advantage that was won in the center with the breach of the Burgundian defensive works and rout of the defending troops.
By and large, the Burgundian plan of battle was carried out very well. The artillery had more success against the Swiss light-heavy infantry working in conjunction with the numerous skirmishers than against the heavier foot units or cavalry, but these primitive cannon were able to score a bit, now and then, on the denser formations. (I wondered why a hit against a deployed-in-depth unit of pikemen and halberdiers would not have more effect. Surely, even a primitive round shot or stone projectile would wreak havoc on closely packed ranks of a column. Perhaps I should have drafted an “on the spot” rule amendment when this first occurred?) The Burgundian foot did not seem to fare so well against the main attack of the Swiss. Depending on the severity (or complexity) of the linear obstacle, the defending unit gains either a +1 melee bonus or a +2 bonus. Burgundian pikemen and companies of longbow archers lined the works, These units have a frontal fighting value of 5 and 4, respectively. For this scenario or experiment, the “hasty works” were designated as “simple,” so a melee bonus of +1 was given. This would give the Burgundians a starting melee factor of 6 and 5, depending on which troop type was involved. Adding in the artillery, these units would have had a modified melee factor of 3. The Swiss foot had a front fighting value of 8. Even with the disadvantage of moving over or through the obstacle, a Swiss unit would still have had a +2 advantage over the enemy. Being on a narrower frontage, there would have likely been two units of Swiss pikemen and halberdiers attacking a single Burgundian formation. Again, on reflection, it seems that I erred in allowing the Swiss “free passage” through this linear obstacle. I should have reduced their initial melee factor by 1 if not 2 points in order to make the first round of melee even. As written, the melee rules for fighting over linear obstacles deny the attacking formation impetus. Perhaps I should have drafted another scenario rule stating that the Swiss had a chance of having impetus or at least some sort of elan modifier that would allow them a better chance on the initial contact and round of fighting? These ideas or amendments are something to think about, anyway. The third point of the Burgundian plan was to have reserve formations plug the gaps in the line. This point was only tested in the Burgundian center, when a portion of the reserve became engaged by some of the Swiss units that had broken through. In hindsight, it seems that the cause of Charles the Bold would have been better served if the flanks had been lightly held and the center reinforced by a stronger second line. The Burgundian knights certainly played an important role in this contest. They did much better against the Swiss vanguard than they did against the Swiss rearguard. The difference was due to the angle of attack. While knights do have impetus (although this benefit may be questioned when attacking pike formations from the front), they cannot wipe away deep formations, and with a frontal fighting value of 6, they are at a bit of a disadvantage against Swiss infantry who have a frontal fighting value of 8.
Turning briefly to a look at the Swiss plan and its success, it could be seen and it was reported that their main body did penetrate the barricade and essentially defeat the Burgundian center. Did this local victory win them the battle then? The Swiss vanguard had been wiped out and the rearguard was in bad shape, so it could be argued that two-thirds of the Swiss army was defeated; that the Swiss center was in danger of being surrounded. However, as related, it was difficult if not impossible for the unengaged Burgundian formations to reorient themselves to take advantage of the situation. Furthermore, it would have proven very difficult for the victorious Swiss main body to rearrange itself to move left and right, thereby rolling up the respective flanks of the Burgundian army.
As of this typing, early in the morning on 17 February, I am still undecided about my future plans with respect to Murten. (I am presently waiting on another book—through interlibrary loan—written by Richard Vaughan, so that I can do some more reading and research.) I can state that I now have at least a bit of experience in commanding “armies” of Burgundians and Swiss on my tabletop. Granted, there was not a lot to be done on the Burgundian side of the field except wait for and try to fend off the Swiss advances, but this still counts as experience.
I have certainly added to my level of experience with the Armati rules. Interestingly and ironically, as this level of experience increases, I find myself questioning the “correctness,” playability and realism of the wargames produced using this set of rules. On the one hand, my tinkering with the unit dimensions did permit me to stage a fairly large engagement on a smallish table, but I cannot help but wonder if my enjoyment or the realism of the action was constrained by the command and control rules for employing double-size forces. To be consistent, the missile ranges and movement rates were reduced in conjunction with the unit sizes/scales. As a result, it took the Swiss main body approximately two hours to enter into crossbow bolt range, and even longer before they could “see the whites of the eyes” of their Burgundian counterparts. While I accept that the suggested time scale for each game turn is an approximation, I could not help but wonder why or how it would take so long for the Swiss formations to negotiate the flat and featureless battlefield. And when I factor in the geometry of trying to wheel, or puzzle over the problem of not being able to send a part of a larger formation forward because of command and control limitations, I wonder again about the choice or rules, what I am looking for in a “miniature” wargame, and how I might better prepare for these situations in future battles.
In conclusion, overall, I think the experiment was worthwhile. It provided me with experience in commanding different armies; I learned that I have much to learn (still) when it comes to designing good scenarios, and it provided a few hours of distraction or entertainment from concerns and news of the larger world (COVID, the situation in Ukraine, and politics at all levels, to name but three) as well as from worries about the smaller world (i.e., what does my future hold?) While “working” on this post, I have been reading sections of The Wargaming Compendium, by Henry Hyde as well as reviewing other material penned by a few members of The Society of Ancients. This “multitasking” has led me to wonder if my experience and experiment would have been a lot more satisfying if traditional—meaning painted and based—miniature armies had been employed.
