PATAY 1429

[fogman]

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With northern France occupied by the Anglo-Burgundian alliance, French loyalist forces had withdrawn south of the Loire river. In the summer of 1428 the English under the earl of Salisbury launched an offensive aimed at securing that vital river line. Many fortified towns fell but the most important prize, Orleans, resisted. In May of the following year, the siege was broken by a relief army inspired by Joan of Arc, and by June the English had lost all their gains. Hastily raised reinforcements were sent from Paris to retrieve the situation but in view of the worsening strategic situation had to retreat. Near Patay the English became aware that the French were close on their heels, and started preparing for battle. But it was too late: before the archers could plant their stakes, French cavalry surged past the opposite crest...

Designer's notes:

This is not a battle but a pursuit, a FOG first I believe, made possible because I finally implemented a technique to model a safe exit.

The speed of the French cavalry surprised and induced mass panic. the English rear guard was overwhelmed and the main battle line just ran. It was a turning point in the Hundred Years War. French cavalry reaffirmed its potency in battle which was to be successfully continued by the gendarmerie well into the next century.

The English player could try to stand and fight with his demoralized army but unless the French player blunders, there is little chance of winning. So the best option not to lose the entire army is to run, as happened historically. The English player won't win in game terms, but by not losing, he would win a moral victory, like at Stirling Bridge, the previous scenario. Heroic rear guard actions are required!

[Micha63]

Thank you.