Rivoli: Setting the Stage

Initial deployments

The call to arms in my last post, announcing a possible, solo refight of the Battle of Rivoli, netted a group of nine willing participants.  Fabulous response, I think.  With nine remote commanders writing orders for my tabletop maneuvers, this will be an interesting exercise.  Commands have been allocated among the participants.  There are four French commanders and five Austrian commanders. 

After allocating commands with consideration for player preferences in both nationality and level of command, I set to work writing an Instructions to Generals guide outlining the scenario, victory conditions, and explaining the order writing and submission process.  Also drafted were two briefings, one for the French and one for the Austrians.

Already, the CiCs are at work formulating plans to defeat the other.  Within the next few days, I expect to see orders beginning to trickle into my mailbox.  I am anxious to see what each has concocted as the key approach to victory.

Hopefully, this will prove to be an entertaining exercise for the participants as well.  If nothing else, we all may learn more about the Battle of Rivoli.

Below are a selection of photos from the game table, in silence, before the battle begins.   

The massive Austrian columns marching down the Adige Valley

French and Austrians face off on the Rivoli Plateau

Austrian view of Joubert situated on the Trombolare Heights

The defenders of the Osteria Gorge

Battlefield from behind the French lines

Joubert on the Trombolare Heights

The board of French reinforcements

We may be off and running very soon.