Scenarios for Absolute Emperor
After reading some positive reviews, I picked up Osprey’s new Napoleonic rules, Absolute Emperor by Boyd Bruce. I plan to use these for the big battles where even Blücher groans under the weight of units. The basic manoeuvre element is a division and the mechanics are straightforward. Like some other Osprey rules I’ve read, the rules could have been better edited and some information is hard to track down. But for a tenner, I’m not going to quibble. The book includes the author’s explanations behind his design decisions and he concludes by encouraging players to adapt and amend the rules as they see fit. That’s a refreshing position to encounter! He is also active on the AE Facebook page, answering questions promptly and generally encouraging players to get involved.
AE 1. The Battle of Leipzig:
Wachau, 16 October 1813: the morning. The Allied assault
This scenario was written to introduce new players at the club to the Absolute Emperor rules. It worked well with two players a side. Experienced players would easily manage it one-to-one.
| ae_scenario_leipzig_1813_am_16th.pdf |
AE 2. The Battle of Leipzig:
Wachau, 16 October 1813: the afternoon. Napoleon’s last chance of victory
This scenario covers the French attempt to break the Coalition centre south of Leipzig on the afternoon of 16 October 1813. It is a big game, suitable for multi-player. In our game, we had 4 French and 3 Coalition players. See the report of our game on my blog here
| ae_scenario_leipzig_1813_wachau__full.pdf |
| ae_leipzig_napoleon_briefing.pdf |
| ae_leipzig_schwarzenberg_briefing.pdf |
AE 3. The Battle of Leipzig:
Wachau, 16 October 1813: short afternoon scenario
This scenario is smaller than the one above, designed only for a 6 by 4 foot table at the standard AE scale. It fits into this space by omitting the opposing forces at the eastern end of the line (French XI and II Cavalry Corps; Coalition 4th column). It is fine for one or two players a side.
| ae_scenario_leipzig_1813_wachau_short.pdf |
AE 4. The Battle of Leipzig:
Möckern, 16 October 1813
This scenario covers the advance on Leipzig from the North by Blucher’s army. It has a small number of units and is well suited as an introduction to Absolute Emperor.
| ae_scenario_leipzig_1813_möckern.pdf |