18th Century Wars of Absolutism: Introductory Campaign – Mollwitz

This campaign is set in Silesia part of modern day Poland in the winter of 1741 and at the beginning of the second year of the conflict popularly known as the First Silesian War which later expanded into the wider conflict known as the War of the Austrian Succession. It attempts to re-enact the attempt by the Austrian army commanded by Marshal Niepperg to march to the relief of the blockaded fortresses of Neisse and Brieg and to simultaneously cut the Prussian occupying army’s lines of supply. Had the Austrians succeeded, King Frederick II (The Great) of Prussia would in all probability have been forced to surrender because his position in Silesia would have been untenable. Frederick was taken by surprise and with many of his troops being dispersed into winter cantonments, it was a race against time to concentrate his forces before being attacked by the Austrians. Early on at the battle of Mollwitz it went badly for Frederick who fled the field only to discover that his army had gained a victory during his absence. The campaign module does not aim to slavishly recreate the attempted relief of Silesia to the last historical detail. Nor does it attempt to fight the whole war or even every engagement across central Europe during 1741. Finally of course, it does not aim to re-fight the battle of Mollwitz on replicated terrain and with the historically accredited troops there. Instead it provides players with the information and mechanics to re-fight the Mollwitz campaign closely based on historically accurate forces, commanders and strategic considerations. Its aim is to provide an interesting (and challenging) backdrop or context for table top battles. This was a very short campaign being all over in less than 2 weeks. There are no sieges, naval actions or reinforcements involved. Consequently, it serves as an excellent introduction to the campaign system. Contains: Historical Background. Campaign Map. Commanders. Initial Army Strengths and Fortresses. Progremmed Events. Chance Events. Army Lists. —description from the publisher