Evening Phase

Gamesmaster notes

Von Salza pulls back his army as Hummel's charges forward. Since Hummel's army lacks cavalry, von Salza is able to form up. However, it has no time to fire more than a single volley.

As Hummel signals to the "turncoat" regiment in von Salza's army, it switches sides. However, the defection has no immediate effect as the regiment is unable to engage the rest of von Salza's army which is withdrawing to form a square.

Nonetheless, the defection leaves von Salza with only three spear regiments and one Zweihander regiment to attempt to form square. Against him are massed four full spear regiments, one regiment of Zweihanders, one of pikes and two of DFKs. Von Salza has something of an advantage in cavalry, but it is not enough - Hummel's escort is more than a match for the loyalist Imperial knights and the light loyalist cavalry is not enough to overturn the imbalance in infantry.

The rebel infantry charge the loyalist heavy infantry and overwhelm it, destroying it completely. von Salza uses his cavalry to screen the withdrawal of his archers. He uses the cover of night to retreat from the battle.

Loyalist losses: all heavy infantry
Rebel losses: the 42 mercenary spearmen and 13 armoured sergeants.




Feedback on the evening phase

Hummel:

As you order your charge, you see many of von Salza's regiments emerge from the wooded slopes below you. They are retreating! Your men pursue them. The turncoat armoured sergeants are on the far left of von Salza's line and they observe your standard, turning their retreat into a pursuit.

Von Salza attempts to form a square to hold off your onslaught, but he is outnumbered 2:1 in heavy infantry. Moreover, your army still includes a sizable presence of foot knights and formiddable pikemen. With relatively modest loss, you destroy von Salza's square.

However, you lack sufficient cavalry to pursue your defeated opponent and he uses the cover of night to slip away, with most of his cavalry and crossbowmen in tact.

Von Salza:

As you order your withdrawal, you see Hummel's men charge down on you. You hastily pull your men back and try to form a square. However, you are mortified to find the veteran armoured sergeants who "defected" to you at Rheims have turned coat and are now on Hummel's side. You have no time to bring your many crossbows to bear. The battle is decided by heavy infantry and in that arm, you are outnumbered 2:1 as well as outclassed. Your square collapses. Your cavalry is not sufficient to turn the tables, but it does screen your withdrawal. Under cover of darkness, your archers and cavalry begin the trek back to Rheims.