The Austerlitz Matrix Game was devised by Chris Engle but the version here is revised by me (Steven Thomas)
Historical Situation
The Grand Army of France is poised to invade England. Throughout the summer of 1805 it has been preparing for that invasion. The troop barges are built, they only wait the word to move. On 31 August, the order is given. March east! The Emperor wishes to invade Austria!
Map
The campaign map is fairly simple showing the area around Austria, from Italy to Prussia, and from France to the Ukraine. Some, but not all provinces, are worth Victory Points (VP). VP are shown on the map and can differ for each Nationality.
Austerlitz Campaign Map
Order of Battle
The initial force locations and strengths are:
French
Napoleon (France)
- 2 French Infantry Units (Soult and Bernadotte)
- 1 French Cavalry Unit (Ney)
- 1 French Artillery Unit
General Murat (France)
- 1 French Infantry Unit (Lannes)
- 1 French Cavalry Unit (Murat)
- 1 French Artillery Unit
General Massena (Italy)
- 1 French Infantry Unit (Massena)
Russo-Austrians
Archduke Charles (Italy)
- 1 Austrian Infantry Unit (Archduke Charles)
- 1 Hungarian Cavalry Unit (Hussars)
- 1 Austrian Artillery Unit
General Mack (Austria)
- 2 Austrian Infantry Units (Austrian and Croat)
Prince Kutusov (Russia)
- 2 Russian Infantry Units (Barclay de Tolly and Bagration)
- 1 Russian Cavalry Unit (Cossacks)
Game duration
The game runs one month at a time, from September 1805 until February 1806.
Battle Resolution
Use Arthur Harman’s Battle Resolution system for Matrix Games.
Specific Victory Conditions
Each side gains victory points for capturing certain provinces. The points value are shown on the map. The side with more victory points wins.
Characters
Each player is playing a specific historical character, with their own personal goals (to be kept secret).
French
Napoleon, Emperor of France.
- French win more victory points than Russo-Austrians.
- Speak with a French accent.
- Pose frequently with your hand stuck in your shirt.
- French win 30 victory points or more!
General Joachim Murat, the Emperor’s brother in law.
- French win more victory points than Russo-Austrians.
- Speak with a French accent.
- Follow Napoleon’s orders to the letter.
- Swagger and show much bravado.
General André Massena, Commander of Italy.
- French win more victory points than Russo-Austrians.
- Speak with a French accent.
- Survive the game with your command intact!
- Capture Italy.
Russo-Austrian
Archduke Charles, Commander of Italy.
- Russo-Austrians win more victory points than French.
- Speak with a German accent.
- Fight at least one battle in Italy.
- Prevent Austria from being occupied.
General Mack von Leiberich, Commander of Vienna.
- Russo-Austrians win more victory points than French.
- Speak with a German accent.
- Make at least one glaring tactical mistake!
- Surrender your command if you are surrounded!
Marshall Mikhail Ilarionovich Kutusov, Prince of Smolensk, Commander of Russia.
- Russo-Austrians win more victory points than French.
- Speak with a Russian accent.
- Act like an old man.
- Always advise caution.