View Full Version : The Seven Years' WAAR - RoP PBME game Crécy vs. Raptor1
Thus commences the Rise of Prussia AAR.
The game is AGEOD's Rise of Prussia which covers the Seven Years' War in Europe between 1756 and 1763. We'll be playing the Grand Campaign which spans the entire conflict. One turn is 15 days so the Grand Campaign scenario lasts 176 turns. I will be playing as Austria allied with Russia, France, Saxony and Sweden. Raptor1 plays as Prussia allied with Great Britain and Hanover.
Thus far Raptor1 has beat me every single time we have ever played anything. So I'm not exactly expecting anything spectacular from myself this time either. And I believe neither is anyone else who has ever read my AARs or has played MoW with me.
A great example of my ineptitude and what is to be expected: the last time Raptor1 and I played this said scenario (me as Austria) I managed to destroy the entire Russian army before they even saw battle or reached the front...
But, the time will tell how it spans out.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/77950242-2e05-4ccf-b183-4a71a4d1749e.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/77950242-2e05-4ccf-b183-4a71a4d1749e.jpg.html)
Turn 1 - 1756, Early September
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ae782bd1-a2e3-4106-b987-dcfbc09d8e0c.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ae782bd1-a2e3-4106-b987-dcfbc09d8e0c.jpg.html)
So, Saxon forces have retreated behind the walls of Pirna and I must relieve them before it's too late.
The situation at the start:
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ff675bfb-0c4c-4572-9147-fa174ffb13de.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ff675bfb-0c4c-4572-9147-fa174ffb13de.jpg.html)
Prussia has around 70,000 troops in three columns. I have around the same amount of troops in three different formations. First line, led by Joseph Luccese with 19188 men of which 8276 are on horseback and 96 cannons. Second line, led by useless Emmanuel Kollowrat with 25729 men (6985 on horseback) and 240 cannons. Both of these formations are stationed in Prag and are ultimately led by Maximilian Browne. In the east is Aeneas Piccolomini with 25187 men (10825 on horseback) and 96 cannons. However, Piccolomini's corps are unable to move until early October.
I didn't give any orders in the first turn. Partially because I want to see how Prussians advance and because Browne is inactive for the turn which means he is unable to attack.
Turn 2 - 1756, Late September
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/d15365ec-51dc-4f42-b3f3-0629f1c84f35.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/d15365ec-51dc-4f42-b3f3-0629f1c84f35.jpg.html)
Pirna is now completely surrounded. Koeniggratz is besieged by Schwerin's Schlesien Armee and Frederick II is advancing along the Elbe with Keith's corps and Rechts' column.
I ordered the mustache guy's advance guard to deal with the harassing hussars in the west. Meanwhile Browne will move to Brux, southwest of Prussians, with the first and second line so I won't have to attack across the river (now to think of it, I probably should have moved them to Lobositz in the first turn...).
Turn 3 - 1756, Early October
The first and second line clashed with Frederick in Brux and Browne surprised me quite pleasantly.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/bc9f806a-ffc7-47ec-b1f2-e260e649cc58.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/bc9f806a-ffc7-47ec-b1f2-e260e649cc58.jpg.html)
In the end battle was quite indecisive. Frederick had more cavalry but I had more cannons. However, I lost more men.
Situation at the end after orders
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1320-51-32-75.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1320-51-32-75.jpg.html)
I really had two options now. 1. attack Frederick with Browne's first and second column along with Piccolomini's corps. 2. retreat back to Prag to defend it against the obvious attack by Link's and Gessler's column from the north along with Frederick. Schwerin would be preoccupied by Koeniggratz for the moment. Unfortunately it seemed that he was going to take it quickly.
I chose a variation of the second choice: move Piccolomini's corps and Browne with the second line back to Prag while Luccese's first line will move to Pirna and drive away the besieging forces. That move would also potentially cut off Frederick from supply.
Advance guard failed to engage the hussars so I ordered it to move back to Prag as well.
Turn 4 - 1756, Late October
Gessler's and Link's column both attacked Prag as expected. However, for some reason they made separate attacks which were of course repelled easily by Piccolomini's corps and the second line's combined forces. Gessler's column was made entirely of cavalry. Over 13000 in total. I don't have even nearly the amount of cavalry Frederick has. In both of these clashes in Prag I lost more men. In the long run these indecisive battles might eventually wear me out.
The 1st and the 2nd battle of Prag fortress
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1321-12-31-42.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1321-12-31-42.jpg.html)
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1321-13-18-86.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1321-13-18-86.jpg.html)
Also Luccese's first column managed to fend off the forces besieging Pirna camp. And as you can see below from the supply map (green is good, red is bad) Luccese's advance indeed cut off Frederick forces. I hoped that this would force Frederick to double back to Pirna to open the supply lines and meet the combined forces of Saxon and Austrian forces, totaling over 40,000 men. More than Frederick has. But, as you will soon discover that was not the case.
Also the quick bastard, Schwerin, took Koeniggratz. Which means that 20,000 more men are coming at me.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1321-30-32-16.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1321-30-32-16.jpg.html)
Now to think of it, the supply map probably shouldn't be used to check whether enemy is well supplied or not. After all the map shows only my supply situation...
Turn 5 - 1756, Early November
After having to wait for two months the battle reports I'm used to have finally arrived.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1514-00-43-08.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1514-00-43-08.jpg.html)
Frederick concentrated his entire attacking force against Prag and we were heavily outnumbered. Maximilian Browne was wounded and apparently he is currently in Budweis: http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/58dfa55b-c583-45ab-b0d1-d3c2424f54ee.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/58dfa55b-c583-45ab-b0d1-d3c2424f54ee.jpg.html)
I suspect that he just pretends to be injured so he can drink beer. I mean, there are other places to recover than Budweis...
Situation around Prag after the battle:
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1514-01-34-59.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1514-01-34-59.jpg.html)
Prag is besieged. But as it's winter I recall that Prussia has to withdraw to winter in the north. If they do not withdraw, they will be having problems with supply. That is the reason I left Piccolomini's corps and the second line near Prag so they can move to there as quickly as possible after Frederick withdraws. However, if they choose to attack, I ordered them to retreat as soon as possible. Luccene will winter in Pirna if possible, they should have enough troops to withstand even a major attack. Well, not the entire Frederick's force of course. I only have to hope that the Prussians will not withdraw through Pirna as they would crush the first line and the Saxon forces.
On a brighter note Leopold von Daun, my the most adequate general, is now moving north and will join the army in Prag in a month or so.
Bilge_Rat
04-15-13, 08:48 AM
RoP is excellent, the best strategy/operational simulation of 18th century warfare currently on market, IMHO. good luck.
Now to think of it, the supply map probably shouldn't be used to check whether enemy is well supplied or not. After all the map shows only my supply situation...
correct. You can use the "control" map which shows which areas each side controls to get an idea of your opponents supply situation. Prussian supply will not transit through areas you control.
Prag is besieged. But as it's winter I recall that Prussia has to withdraw to winter in the north. If they do not withdraw, they will be having problems with supply. .
Correct. It also depends on the "attrition" option you are using, if set to "historical", any force which is not located on a friendly city/depot will quickly melt away in winter.
Bilge Rat: Thanks for clarifications! RoP, as well as all AGEOD engine games, are indeed marvellous strategy games (Alea Jacta Est is awesome). Even though my AGEOD gaming usually consists of random ignorant clicking and hoping I did something right :O:.
* * *
Turn 6 - 1756, Late November
Damn Prussians are fast besiegers. Prag's walls have been partially breached. I just hope snow drives them away before Prag falls as I'm in no condition to attack because I so wisely separated the first line from the rest of the army. I decided to move the first line with Saxon forces south as they were low on supplies. I have no idea whether abandoning Pirna camp is a wise idea but I can't see any dire consequences which that might cause. At least I didn't lose the whole Saxon army. Yet.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-04-1600-03-23-44.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-04-1600-03-23-44.jpg.html)
* * *
Turn 7 - 1756, Early December
The first line and the Saxon forces stumbled upon Hans von Zieten's small force while moving to Lobositz. Only minor casualties suffered on both sides.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-04-1617-49-20-07.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-04-1617-49-20-07.jpg.html)
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-04-1617-49-33-45.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-04-1617-49-33-45.jpg.html)
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-04-1618-00-10-56.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-04-1618-00-10-56.jpg.html)
Another breach made at Prag fortress which, unfortunately, means that it's almost ripe for taking, unless Frederick withdraws. The first line and the Saxon army are running out of supply and they are ordered to move toward Karlsbad in the southwest to get supplies.
* * *
Turn 8 - 1756, Late December
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-04-1619-17-56-64.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-04-1619-17-56-64.jpg.html)
Prag fell... Which is a direct consequence of my idea to split my forces. But, on the plus side I managed to save the Saxon army in Pirna which is a huge asset. Sadly losing Prag means that Frederick is now able to winter there and continue his advance quickly after winter. Piccolomini, east of Prag, is ordered to meet up with Daun's 11,000 men in the south.
Thus endeth the year 1756.
Feld Grau
04-16-13, 11:19 PM
Even with the loss of Prague,you're still in relatively decent shape. So long as the Austrian player manages to keep an Army-In Being during the first year,he should be alright. Be cautious over the winter and spring and victory will surely come!:up:
Now that the year 1756 has ended I think it's time for a brief overview of the situation.
Bohemian front
My armies on the field:
Austrian army: 63,662 men, 31,301 horses and 422 cannons
Saxon army: 23,628 men, 9745 horses and 108 cannons
Combined that would make 87,290 men, 41,046 horses and 530 cannons. I don't know the exact amount of Prussian forces but I presume it's around 70,000 men. Without the Saxon army I would have been outnumbered but now I have the numbers. Managing to save them was a huge stroke of luck which will, if played right, definitely help me stop the advance of the Prussians.
The plan for the spring is an obvious one: to combine my forces and beat the Prussians on the field. I have two choices: either attack Frederick at once when the snow melts or wait for them to make their move and try to engage them in a defensive battle. That means I'd have to anticipate where the hammer falls. Attacking would be most satisfying but I'm a bit on the fence there. I know I have the numbers but will that be enough? Hardest part is to anticipate where he will advance. Well, Vienna will be his ultimate objective of course. However, Raptor1 knows I have more troops than he has which will definitely affect his plans.
Other possibility is to wait for two months when I get Hungarian and Croatian forces at my disposal totaling around 45,000 men of which 20,000 are cavalry while Austrian and Saxon forces just stall the Prussian advance if not stop them. After that I could perhaps even try to attempt surrounding Frederick's army. But I'd imagine that is a bit too far-fetched idea. Besides, I have played with Raptor1 enough to know that I, in any circumstances, wouldn't succeed in such attempt. And Raptor1 knows that I will eventually get tons of reinforcements, he just doesn't know the time-frame or the amounts.
France
In two to three months the French Armée Française of over 72,500 men under Louis d'Estrees will join the war. They will advance into Hanover and threaten Prussia from the west.
Sweden
Somewhat inept Gustav Hamilton's Swedish Pomeranian Force will be active in five months and they shall attack south through Pomerania. I'm not expecting much from these fellas but at least they will tie up some of the Prussian forces with their 8000 men.
Russians
I'm not yet sure when the Russian forces will be available (they will declare war in January however) but I do know that they will be a force to be reckoned with. Given that I this time manage not to starve them before they enter the fray. Eventually they will advance through East Prussia.
In time Prussia has to deal with four powers from four directions. Sweden in the north, Russia in the east, Austria in the south and France in the west. That should be enough to put Frederick on his knees...
The master plan for the year 1757
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/1757.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/1757.jpg.html)
Turn 9 - 1757, Early Januray
Not much happened. Daun will move with his army to Tabor and spend the rest of the winter there. Lucchese's first line will gather supplies from Eger and Saxon army from Karlsbad before moving east to join Daun.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1620-20-55-32-1.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1620-20-55-32-1.jpg.html)
* * *
Turn 10, Late January
Holy Roman Empire and Russia declares war on Prussia. Marshal Browne got too ill (read: got too drunk) to lead Austrian troops and will be replaced by Prince Charles of Lorraine.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1910-29-41-05.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1910-29-41-05.jpg.html)
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1910-30-39-00.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1910-30-39-00.jpg.html)
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1910-30-43-37.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROP2013-04-1910-30-43-37.jpg.html)
Turn 11 - Early February
Marshal Browne dies of lung disease. Leopold von Daun was promoted (huzzaaa!) so I formed a new army under him: Schlesiesche Armee which consists of Daun's column, Piccolomini's column and the Second Line.
* * *
Turn 12 - Late February
Prince Charles of Lorraine is ordered to march west to Karlsbad and meet up with the Saxon forces and Lucchese's First Line which he will command from now on.
* * *
Turn 13-15 - Early March to Early April
Mainly Hungarian infantry becomes available in Pressburg, totaling around 30,000 men. They will start their march to the front at once. Unfortunately that will at least 2 months. Also, I don't have enough commanders. Certain commanders can command only a certain amount of troops and if they command more troops than they can handle, it will slow them down and they are not able to fight as effectively. Which means I have to do quite a bit of organizing to maximize the effectiveness of my forces.
Sweden declares war on Prussia.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-04-2119-22-25-80.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-04-2119-22-25-80.jpg.html)
As I'm starting to get reinforcements I decided not to combine my armies. I'm going to get enough troops for Daun to oppose Frederick's army so Prince Charles will stay in Karlsbad to give Prussians something to deal with.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-04-2120-08-42-14ndashKopio.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-04-2120-08-42-14ndashKopio.jpg.html)
An event concerning HRE contingent. I had to choose where I'd send them. Certain options gave Engagement point (for example used to generate replacements) and Victory point penalty. I chose the historical choice which gave the most penalties but I will get 5 brigades to reinforce Bohemia.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-04-2120-53-53-02.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-04-2120-53-53-02.jpg.html)
Armée Française is now activated and they will take Wesel prior to marching to Hanover.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-04-2121-07-05-80.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-04-2121-07-05-80.jpg.html)
British Army of Observation is assembling and they will be the ones to oppose mighty Armée Française. Good news is that Army of Observation is commanded by Cumberland who is almost more than incompetent but the bad news is that he's replaceable. Nevertheless, I'm certain the 72,000 men strong Armée Française will squash them like a fly.
Turn 16 - Late April
Right, the HRE Contingent decided to form up in Prague. Lucky for me, Frederick decided to move before the contingent arrived so at least weren't immediately butchered. Unfortunate thing is that they are fixed in that region for two months, unless attacked. They arrived with 17,000 men and I definitely don't want to lose them so I decided to launch a rescue operation for them. Frederick seems to deal with the Saxon forces first, so that left left Daun an open route to Prague.
Now I think Raptor1 has two choices: to deal with the Saxon forces in the west and then clear Prague or clear Prague first. River Moldau will prevent him from flanking Daun and even if he tried (which he won't) through Pilsen it would take too much time plus risk a chance of encirclement. Combined, HRE contingent and Daun would have around 82,000 men which I believe is enough to withstand any Frederick's attack. I'm not sure how many men Frederick has but I think he has gotten at least some reinforcements and has over 70,000 men. If Raptor1 decides to attack Karlsbad regardless of the situation in Prague, he will naturally win but he will also lose men and definitely give the numerical advantage to Daun. That would also buy me some time to reinforce Daun even more. However, if he decides to double back to Prague I just have to hope that Daun gets there first.
The next few turns will be extremely interesting. If it folds out well for me, the situation might even force Raptor1 to withdraw north.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROPLateApril-1.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Rise%20of%20Prussia/ROPLateApril-1.jpg.html)
In other news, Prussia reacted to Sweden's declaration of war by raising troops in Pomerania and Pirna Camp finally fell.
Well, I messed up the AAR quite royally. Battle reports are in wrong updates. I've to fix that, at some point, before continuing...
Edit: so what happened is that as, for example, I get reports from early January when I open up late January turn. Idiot that I am, I treated them as if they had happened in late January (as I look the date from screenshots to sort the screens) and thus marked them in late January update. Basically everything you see actually happened in the previous turn. I'm going to fix that eventually but for now I'll correct the mistakes in the following updates.
From now on battle reports and other screenshots should be in order. Thanks to Raptor1 who helped me clear this problem as I was too inept to comprehend anything at all. This sudden change causes a few hiccups in terms of earlier updates but I will fix them up eventually. Which of course will mess things up even more. For now, the earlier Late April turn technically shows the situation at the start of late April. This following updates shows the situation after late April turn has been played.
I will also make monthly updates from now on. It should be much more clearer, at least for me.
I'm sorry for making this as confusing as possible.
Turn 16 - 1757, Late April
Raptor1 decided to concentrate his forces against Prince Charles and attacked Karlsbad. Two battles were fought. First Schwerin and then Frederick with all of the rest. Schewerin was heavily outnumbered and so the victory over him came easily. Frederick on the other hand outnumbered Charles in every aspect and defeat was inevitable.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/1.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/1.jpg.html)
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/2.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/2.jpg.html)
Charles retreated southwest to Eger. He was also wounded in the battle but is now recovering in Eger.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-04-2215-30-06-38.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-04-2215-30-06-38.jpg.html)
If I understood the situation correctly, at least two columns of Frederick's did not participate in the battle, forces in Falkenau and Brux. That would mean Frederick might even have over 80,000 men in his command.
Daun will reach Prague next turn and commence the siege.
May 1757
Early May
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/3.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/3.jpg.html)
Frederick attacked against Karlsbad but failed to take it.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/11.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/11.jpg.html)
Late May
Reinforcements finally start to pour from the south. Majority of them will gather in Tabor but a few thousand of them will reinforce Daun's army in Prague. Frederick left a minor force to besiege Karlsbad while the main body moved to Eger.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/33.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/33.jpg.html)
Major general Chevert's column is besieging Dortmund while the main force finally arrived to Wesel. No sign of the British Observation Army yet.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/june2.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/june2.jpg.html)
Wilhelm von Preussen took Karlsbad as the garrison managed not to defend it properly.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/june1.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/june1.jpg.html)
Right, I still haven't sorted it out. The last update is done all wrong as well. Now, I'll fix the last turn and THEN start to write the updates properly... Again, sorry. :/\\!!
From now on, all subsequent updates should contain correct information. Also, I will be away for two weeks starting tomorrow so the AAR is on hold until then. After coming back, I will try to fix previous updates unless it proves to be extremely painful.
* * *
June 1757
Wesel garrison surrendered in mid-June. Still no progress in Dortmund. Armée Française will resupply before marching to Munster, while a small cavalry force is scouting around Munster to locate the British Observation Army.
Armée d'Allemagne under general Soubise was created and will combine forces with Joseph Friedrich von Saxen-Hildburghausen who is in command of the Reichsarmee which became available to me few turns ago. Unfortunately Reichsarmee is not very effective force: too few officers commanding too many troops, plus the troops are not in very good shape. But after combining, Frederick will be between two quite considerable forces.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Armeeallemagne.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Armeeallemagne.jpg.html)
Franz Nadasdy, a very competent commander, arrived in Tabor and a force was immediately formed under him. His column consists mainly of cavalry which were gravely needed. His column is attached to Daun's Schlesiesche Armee which now has over 100,000 men. Plus, as you can see between Iglau and Budweis, another force of Hungarians will arrive in Tabor shortly which means 20,000 soldiers more. The siege of Prague is advancing as well and it should fall next month.
Prussia is still besieging Eger and lucky for me, they haven't made any progress. That gives me an interesting opportunity. If Raptor1 continues to besiege Eger, he will risk getting encircled by Daun, reinforced with Nadasdy and the Hungarian infantry, in the east and the French and the Reichsarmee in the west, not forgetting prince Charles' 40,000 men inside Eger. If he wants to avoid that he will have to withdraw soon.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/June5.jpg:original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/June5.jpg.html)
Takeda Shingen
04-29-13, 05:55 PM
This has been a great read so far. Thanks guys!
Right, it's finally time to continue this. Bunch of computer problems, ISP problems and general laziness got in the way...
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July 1757
Memel garrison surrendered to the Russians while the rest of the Russian army moves to besiege Koenigsberg. Unfortunately Russian offense might have to wait until Spring. I won't destroy the entire Russian army again due to lack of supply...
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/JulyRussians.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/JulyRussians.jpg.html)
Meanwhile Prussians continue to besiege Eger. They haven't made a move so I will: Soubise with his Frenchmen and Saxen-Hildburghausen with his Reichsarmee will move west of Eger while Daun's force will take Karlsbad back and ultimately surround the Prussians denying them from supply. As planned. Frederick can't escape, unless he plans to retreat immediately in the following days, then he might have a chance. But let's hope he doesn't.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/Austria.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/Austria.jpg.html)
In the west, French army is still besieging Munster and Dortmund.
Aktungbby
08-15-13, 12:44 PM
"He who defends everything, defends nothing"-Frederick the Great (on Festung Europe 230 years later) the Austrian corporal should have done his homework.:arrgh!:
August 1757
Munster fell. No progress in Dortmund. Still. Only now I realized why it's taking so damn long. Apparently it's somewhat hard to breach walls without artillery. Armée Française will move east immediately before winter halts further advances.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-08-0520-45-28-26.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-08-0520-45-28-26.jpg.html)
On Bohemian front it's time for a decisive move. Daun took Karlsbad and is now ready to engage Frederick (don't mind Frederick's picture. They changed it for some reason in the newest patch and after reinstall last month I haven't changed it back yet). Cavalry force will move to cut Prussians supplies west of Prag.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-08-0520-53-33-88.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-08-0520-53-33-88.jpg.html)
Russians have breached Koenigsberg's walls and it will fall in a few weeks.
September 1757
The decisive battle I was waiting for wasn't decisive at all. Actually it was the exact opposite of it. Judging by the result, Daun lazily ordered a handful of his men to fire back if Prussians opened fire and ordered his entire army of over 117,000 men to let Frederick slip through Austrian, French and HRE army lines to safety.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-08-0710-14-09-00.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-08-0710-14-09-00.jpg.html)
Somehow Frederick managed to maneuver his army southeast of Karlsbad. Daun will pursuit while Reichsarmee will move along Eger river to cut off Frederick. Small cavalry force is tasked to take Pirna camp and thus making Frederick's supply situation as bad as possible.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-08-0710-25-18-29.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-08-0710-25-18-29.jpg.html)
Pirna camp was destroyed. Frederick retreated behind Eger and Daun will move in to a defensive position between Frederick and Prag.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-08-3012-09-14-08.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-08-3012-09-14-08.jpg.html)
Reichsarmee encountered Von Preussen's column and was defeated.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-08-3011-59-08-89.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-08-3011-59-08-89.jpg.html)
Frederick should be out of supply in terms of tracing it to own territory. He might have some left in his supply carts but maybe for a turn or two. Road to Eger is extremely vulnerable. Reichsarmee is the only considerable force on the way. So not considerable at all. But luckily Frederick will most likely retreat to Dresden as soon as he can to get back in supply and to winter there.
Armée Française moved East to Minden and finally encountered the Observation Army led by Von Braunschweig. Zweibrucken was victorious even though he was quite outnumbered. Armée Française inflicted considerable casualties to the enemy, especially cavalry-wise which was needed considering that the enemy had twice as many cavalry.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-08-3011-58-02-59.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-08-3011-58-02-59.jpg.html)
Delayed Richeliu (commander of Armée Française) with another column came three days later and beat Observation Army again.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-08-3011-58-49-49.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-08-3011-58-49-49.jpg.html)
Dortmund was conquered almost immediately after an artillery unit was sent there. That freed over ten thousand men who were stuck there doing nothing. They will move against Lippstadt. Armée Française has besieged Minden and trapped the Observation Army inside the fortress.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-08-3012-04-09-95.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-08-3012-04-09-95.jpg.html)
Things are looking rather good for the Frenchmen. Goal is to capture Hannover before winter.
On the northern front Prussia made a weak attack against Hamburg with mostly militia. One thing to note is that they were led by the mighty Duke of Cumberland which originally was in charge of the British Observation Army. Another defeat for his long list of defeats.
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-08-3011-58-24-89.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-08-3011-58-24-89.jpg.html)
Lubeck on the other hand was taken by the Prussians. I might have to consider unleashing the Swedes...
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/Schiavona/ROP2013-08-3011-57-37-99.jpg~original (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Schiavona/media/ROP2013-08-3011-57-37-99.jpg.html)
As winter is coming I dare not to advance too boldly so I won't get surprised by it. But I definitely have the upper hand now. After the winter Russians will start steamrolling from the east, French are coming from the west and Austrians from the south. I'm not sure how many reinforcements Raptor1 will get during the winter but anyway he has to start allocating his resources according to the threats from multiple directions.
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