A report by Capitaine Louis de Blazac (Many thanks to Peter for writing the report).<\/em><\/p>\n
Yesterday, we finally managed to gather again for a game of Muskets & Tomahawks<\/em> \u2013 this time with five players. I had the pleasure of designing a custom scenario and acting as the game master. But let\u2019s hear it from Capitaine Blazac himself…<\/p>\n “Mon Dieu! They’re going to blow the bridge!”<\/strong><\/p>\n “Excuse me, Monsieur? What did you say?” The sergeant nodded and ordered the line infantry to advance in marching columns toward the bridge. Even without the spyglass, the hurried activity of the Prussian troops around the crossing was clearly visible. Blazac was annoyed. The mission had sounded so simple: finally his own command, operating independently from the general staff \u2013 secure the bridge over the Lippe to ensure the fastest route for the French army\u2019s wagons and artillery into Westphalia.<\/p>\n Resistance was deemed unlikely; only a few Prussian partisans might disrupt the operation. And now this. Soon after his columns began to move, Lieutenant Richard arrived on the eastern flank with his voltigeurs. A capable officer \u2013 he needed no instructions. He pushed his skirmishers toward a small wooded area near the bridge, preparing to harass the Prussian infantry with musket fire. Everything was going according to plan. Louis knew his dragoons wouldn\u2019t miss the chance to pursue. Meanwhile, Sergeant Lef\u00e8vre had deployed his fusiliers from column into line, and their muskets thundered toward the Prussians on the bridge. The fight was becoming chaotic, but his troops seemed to hold the advantage. The Prussian infantry would soon be driven off, and then the sappers could disarm the charges.<\/p>\n Just as he had that thought, a distant drumming echoed across the field. The Prussians had meanwhile formed up and, on their officer\u2019s command, delivered a devastating volley. The bridge vanished in smoke. Cries of wounded Frenchmen rang out. Just as he was about to order an assault, his adjutant returned, filthy, breathless, disheveled: Without a word, Louis turned back to the fight. It had to be decided here. If they could take the bridge, the British would be dealt with later.<\/p>\n Sergeant Lef\u00e8vre had already ordered the charge. With cries of \u201cVive la R\u00e9publique!\u201d<\/em>, the fusiliers surged forward, bayonets fixed. The clash was brief. The first Prussians fell, and the rest fled. Suddenly, a Prussian officer, seeing his chance, spurred his horse and dashed across the bridge\u2014straight at Louis. Then Louis understood the shouted words\u2014broken French, but unmistakable: a challenge to duel.<\/p>\n Now was not the time\u2026 but honor demanded it.
\nThe Waning Confidence of Capitaine Blazac<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Capitaine Louis de Blazac chastised himself for speaking out loud. He stowed away his spyglass and turned calmly to his sergeant.
“The Prussians are occupying the bridge. And if I\u2019m seeing correctly, they\u2019re already placing explosives. We must stop them. Move your men forward!”<\/p>\n<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n
But all was not yet lost. So far, aside from a bit of light cavalry and a few infantrymen, Louis had seen no enemy troops capable of halting his advance \u2013 the Prussians were hopelessly outnumbered.<\/p>\n
For a moment, Prussian light cavalry threatened Louis\u2019 left flank, but before they could become a true danger, the voltigeurs opened fire and drove them off.<\/p>\n
\u201cFoolish, vain men,\u201d he muttered. They would have been far more useful supporting his center, but now they were chasing riders across the countryside.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou idiots! You\u2019re aiming too low!\u201d Louis heard Lef\u00e8vre bellow at his men.<\/p>\n<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n
“Those aren\u2019t Prussians,” his adjutant observed.
“Of course not. Clearly British. Ride east and find out what\u2019s coming.”
“Oui, Monsieur!” The adjutant spurred his horse and vanished.<\/p>\n
\u201cHold the line!\u201d Louis shouted \u2013 and to his pride, they did.<\/p>\n
\u201cRichard is gone! His men too!\u201d
\u201cWhat do you mean, gone?! Speak clearly!\u201d
\u201cBritish grenadiers, across the Lippe. As soon as they were in range, they fired a concentrated volley. I had to take cover. The voltigeurs scattered\u2014and I couldn\u2019t find Richard.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n
Lef\u00e8vre held the line and sent his sapper under the bridge to remove the charges.<\/p>\n
Suicide? A surrender?<\/p>\n
With sabres raised, the two men galloped toward each other. The fight lasted mere moments. After a few swift blows, Louis feinted, leaving the Prussian exposed. He struck from above, his blade cutting into the man\u2019s neck. Without a sound, the Prussian toppled from his saddle, taking Louis\u2019 sword with him\u2014lodged in bone.<\/p>\n