Play testing Formigny 1450

It is very rare event to have a freshly written scenario, play tested and end on the money with its historical outcome. Generally, further testing would require adjusting some aspect of the game such as increasing/decreasing the number of troops, refine distances or altering the position of terrain pieces. However, this is what happened and subsequent tests were made to make an alternative outcome possible.

Test one: No potholes were placed as the English would advance full steam to meet the French led by John II. Both lines overlapped the other’s left, with Gough’s open flank harassed by the franc-archers and artillery. On the opposite side, longbowmen rained havoc among French chivalry goading them to charge. The battle was hard fought with both sides equally inflicting heavy casualties. In the end, the French artillery cast the last stone shattering a unit of longbowmen to send the English into retreat (France 4-3).

Test two. The English remained in position as potholes and improvised stakes were placed across their front. This franc-archers seized the opportunity to harass the English open left flank. The English countered with an attack by billmen supported by the cavalry leaving their position from across the river. Hearing the sound of the guns, Richemont was able to approach the bridge without encountering any resistance. In the chaos that surrounded Gough’s division, Gough met his end defending the bridge. Casualties were high on both sides, especially among the Bretons. The battle nearly swung in favour of the English, but parting salvo from the guns ended the battle (France 4-3).

Test three. The English deployment remained unchanged; however, the French altered their plan by placing cavalry to face the enemy left flank. The English placed potholes and stakes to protect Gough’s division as Kyriell made plans to assault the French left comprising of franc-archers and the artillery fire. The early cannonade also announced the arrival of the Breton contingent prompting the English reserve to take a new position on the English side of the river. Leaving their protection, Gough’s longbowmen moved forward to lay a heavy barrage inflicting casualties among the French knights. Kyriell braved the firestorm and despite heavy losses (3 elements) reached the French line to return the favour and rout the French (England 4-3).