Tag Archives: pike and shot

June 29th 1659 Battle of Konotop Wargame Scenario

The conflicts between Russia and Ukraine go back far longer than the last 10 years. In 1659, 80,000 soldiers met at Konotop during a portion of history known as the Ruin to most Ukrainians.

The battle started poorly for the Ukrainians, who were forced to flee the fortress. The Russians besieged the fortress for 70 days until 30,000 Cossacks under Mehmed IV Giray came forth to relieve the siege. At the time, Ukraine was controlled by many different factions who had loose alliances to defend each other when they were not attacking each other. It was closer to how Italy operated with the various cities and families than a unified country.

Crimean Khanate (Ukraine)
Mehmed IV Giray (relief force) 30,000
Krzysztof Laski (relief force) 4,000
Ivan Vyhovsky (besieged force) 20,000

Russia
Alexey Trubetsky 29,000
Ivan Bezpaly 7,000

Wargame Scenario
For use with Pike and Shotte or other similar systems
2 to 3 Players
Armies similar in points: The Ukrainian force, with relief, should have about 20% more than the Russians, who should have more elite troops.

Objective
Ukraine breaks the siege and causes the Russians to rout. Russia routes the relief force while keeping the Ukrainians in their fortress.

Set-Up
Create a small fort or castle and place the Ukrainian infantry inside with their command. The Russians should be in a siege position with artillery focused on the Fort. The relief force should be cavalry-focused with many horse archers/crossbows and placed on one side of the board.

Special Rules

It is not really a rule, but you want the armies to be highly mobile and have the battlefield be very fluid without much debris.

June 21st 1529 Battle of Landriano Wargame Scenario

From 1494 until 1559, the Italian wars raged across central Europe. Two major powers, France and Spain, each claimed the various Italian Kingdoms. In 1529, the French were near defeat, and the decisive engagement at Landirano ended the French efforts until 1536.

French
Comte de Saint-Pol
12,000 soldiers and cavalry

Holy Roman Empire and Spain
Antonio de Leyva
16,000 soldiers and cavalry.

Wargame.

It is tough to research to get an exact order of battle, but I would recommend using the following: the list gives you a cavalry-heavy list vs an infantry-heavy list.

French Army; 134

4 Units of Capagnie d’Ordonnance (heavy cavalry) 32
3 Units of Ordonannce Archers (lancers) 12
2 Units of Stradiots (scout cavalry) 8
2 Units of Argoulets (melee cavalry) 8
6 Units of Aventuriers (skirmishers) 18
6 Units of Bandes Francaises (Pike and Shot) 48
2 Medium Guns 8

Holy Roman Empire 133
3 Units Gentes d’armas (heavy cavalry) 24
6 Units Spitz (Traditional German Pike and Shot) 42
2 Units Jinets (scout cavalry) 10
2 Units Colunela (Spanish pike and shot) 18
2 Units Veteran Colunela 22
2 Units Spanish Arquebusiers 10
2 Medium Guns 8
1 Heavy Gun 5

Wargame Rules, Tilly’s very bad day, or Renatio Et Gloriam, or any other mass Pike and Shot wargame.

Set-Up,
8×4 Table
Up to 4 Players
The table should have two rivers that merge into a delta on one short edge. Both rivers should have multiple crossings and fords, with one main road and bridge connecting the hamlet. Between the rivers should be a large hill, where the primary fighting took place historically. The rivers should have ample vegetation along their banks.

Objective

The French Army is on the retreat, and the Holy Roman Empire forces have maneuvered to cut off their retreat to Pavia. The Holy Roman Army should be moving from the table’s edge away from Pavia, while the French should be attempting to reach it.