Aldo Ghetti Gianluca Raccagni - HISTORICAL SCENARIOS - Guelphs and Ghibellines: the Capture of King Enzius at the Battle of Fossalta (1249)
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Aldo Ghetti Gianluca Raccagni
Guelphs and Ghibellines:
the Capture of King Enzius
at the Battle of Fossalta (1249)
¤ HISTORICAL SCENARIOS ¤
Sir Chester Cobblepot Wargames
Ventura Battle System Ventura Battle System
; Guelphs and Ghibellines ; ; Introduction ;
uelphs and Ghibellines were two opposi- ck II. On the anti-imperialist front, around Milan, the n the following pages you will find the four
G te factions which dominated the Italian poli-
tical scene since the 12th century until the
cities of Bologna, Piacenza, Brescia, Treviso, Verona
and Padua are being flanked ever more aggressively I medieval scenarios designed by the authors to
recreate the events of the historic battle of Fos-
rise of Signorie (i.e. seignories, in the 14th century). by the papacy. salta in 1249, which led to the capture of King Enzius.
The origins of their names date back to the struggle We are in the countryside between the Panaro River Each Scenario has a different number of rounds,
for the crown of the Holy Roman Empire between the and Via Aemilia, an area that has long been the subject specific tactical objectives and Soldiers. It goes
Bavarian and Saxon Welfen dynasty (which the word of territorial disputes between the cities of Bologna without saying that by playing the Scenarios in order,
«Guelph» derives from) and the Swabian Hohenstau- and Modena: the lands of the Nonantola monastery you will experience the natural flow of history, but
fen dynasty, lords of the castle of Waiblingen (origin and the territory under the Frignano jurisdiction have each scenario is its own event and can be played freely.
of the word «Ghibelline»). Having won command of been the scene of repeated clashes, with mixed results. Every Scenario takes place in the lands of Fossalta,
the Empire, the Swabian family sought to expand its It is the dawn of May 26: the silence of the rural not far from Modena, in an area between the town and
rule in the Kingdom of Italy as well: the terms «Guel- landscape is abruptly interrupted by the sound of a the Panaro River. This flat area features terrains and
ph» and «Ghibelline» were used to designate those small group of horses galloping. It’s imperial soldiers, terrain elements recurring in every map.
who supported the Empire (the Ghibellines) and tho- mostly from Cremona, and they are heading southeast Fossalta: The third Scenario is certainly the most
se who opposed it by supporting the papacy (the Guel- along a dirt road. Strategy and tactical advice challenging one, presenting a dilemma for the Ghibel-
phs). King Enzius, son of Emperor Frederick II, is in line player on which tactical objective they should try
The year is 1249 AD. Emperor Frederick II, excom- Cremona as a representative of the empire: just last Reconnaissance: Even if you are experienced to achieve in order to win. Crossing the creek is a key
municated and deposed, is experiencing a moment of night he received the news that Modena was attacked players, the first scenario can prove to be very useful moment for the player controlling King Enzius’ for-
decline, contrasted on the battlefield by the Second by a militia formed by Bolognese, Ferrarese and papal to become familiar with the rules of the Ventura Batt- ces.
Lombard League and strongly opposed by Pope Inno- soldiers. The decision to intervene was immediate; the le System™, such as understanding Initiative mechani- San Lazzaro: Just like the previous one, this
cent IV. Many cities of the Po Valley, such as Cremona, Guelph attack cannot go unpunished. cs, learning how to steal a turn from the opponent at the Scenario also requires the Ghibelline player to make
Modena, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Pavia and Bergamo, Here begins The Fall of the King: what happens in right times, and managing your markers so as not to the right choices, such as when to retreat into the chur-
are still siding with the Emperor. However, war ope- the next hours will go down in history as the battle of run out at crucial moments. ch. In every scenario the battle ends when the set num-
rations by the cities of the League, including assaul- Fossalta and the fate of King Enzius will change fore- Sant'Ambrogio: The second Scenario presents ber of rounds has been played and only scoring will
ts, sieges and skirmishes, trouble the sleep of Frederi- ver. Are you ready to travel through time? the first real challenge: the Ghibelline player must act determine who’s triumphant. Never give up, never for-
quickly and decisively to focus their forces on conque- feit the fate of your soldiers: making it to the end of the
ring the bridge, so that history does not repeat itself. battle is the only thing that counts!
Filippo degli Ugoni King Enzius Guido Geremei Buoso da Dovara
2 Historical Scenarios Historical Scenarios 3
North
I. Reconnaissance
Ghibelline Faction
E
arly hours of dawn on May 26 1249, in the Mode- H Trinca della Cella as Acting Captain with 8
na countryside, between the Panaro River and
blue markers
Via Aemilia. A Ghibelline vanguard from Cre-
mona, made up of Cremonese and Modenese knights, I Cremonese Ally
is heading towards the city of Modena, currently under J Cremonese Ally
attack by a Guelph militia formed by Bolognese, Fer- K Cremonese Ally
rarese and papal soldiers. What should have been a
simple reconnaissance soon turns into the first contact LMN Modenese Allies
between the two opposing factions. Tactical Objectives Points
Guarding the crossroads (points for each
Duration: this Scenario has a maximum dura- Soldier, +50 points in case of exclusive 10x
tion of 4 rounds, at the end of which points are sco- control)
red. Guelph Faction
Initiative: the Guelph player starts with fewer B Filippo degli Ugoni Condottiere
piles, so they receive the Initiative token. C Mattolo Galluzzi
Crossroads
D Guido Geremei
Acting Captain: only in this Scenario, Constable Trinca E Lambertino Lambertini West East
della Cella will be «Acting Captain», thus leading the Ghi-
F Michele degli Orsi Ghibelline Tactical Guelph Tactical
belline Faction as a Condottiere. In the first phase of each
round, he will receive 8 blue markers , instead of the pur- Objective Objective
G Gerardo Caccianemici
ple ones shown on his card.
H Monsarello Asinelli
Guarding: many Tactical objective require guarding cer- Tactical Objectives Points
tain areas or terrains. To do so, players must bring their Sol- Guarding the crossroads (points for each Group
dier tiles to garrison at least part of the designated area. If the Soldier, +50 points in case of exclusive 10x Ghibellines
area is also occupied by enemy tiles, the difference between control)
the two will be scored. To gain exclusive control of the area,
no enemy tiles must be present.
Single
Guelphs
Group
Group
Gerardo Caccianemici Marino da Eboli Formation
4 Historical Scenarios South
North
II. Sant’Ambrogio
Ghibelline Faction
E
arly afternoon.The troops of the imperial army,
B King Enzius Condottiere Panaro River
personally led by King Enzius, come in sight
C Buoso da Dovara Impassable
of the bridge of Sant’Ambrogio, on the Panaro terrain section
River. A group of Bolognese carpenters are working D Guido da Sesso
Riverbank
to make the bridge accessible again: as soon as they
E Marino da Eboli
see enemy soldiers arriving, the engineers give the Challenging
F Ubertino dell’Andito terrain section
alarm, promptly rushing the infantry of the Bolognese Sant’Ambrogio Bridge
army camped nearby. King Enzius did not expect such G Ugolino da Persico
a rapid response from the Guelphs: obtaining control Open terrain, edges
PQ Saracen Archers Formation are impassable
of the bridge now could not be as easy as he had hoped. Group
RS Saracen Archers
Duration: this Scenario has a maximum dura- Tactical Objectives Points Via Aemilia (Road)
tion of 6 rounds, at the end of which points are sco- Eliminating Engineers (points for each) 10
Ghibelline Tactical
Objective
red.
Guarding Sant’Ambrogio Bridge (+20 30
points for exclusive control)
Initiative: the Ghibelline player starts with Panaro River
fewer piles, so they receive the Initiative token. Guelph Faction
Riverbank Impassable
I Bornio Samaritani Condottiere West terrain section East
Challenging
Guarding: many Tactical Objectives require guarding cer- TUVW Bolognese Footmen terrain section
tain areas or terrains. To do so, players must bring their Sol-
dier tiles to garrison at least part of the designated area. If the J Bonaccorso degli Albari Constable
area is also occupied by enemy tiles, the difference between KLMN Lanzalonga Spearmen
the two will be scored. To gain exclusive control of the area, Ghibellines
no enemy tiles must be present. OPQR Crossbowmen with Separating Foam
white indicators
Formation
Panaro River: the River is divided into four sections (one S Lambertolo Bottrigari Constable Panaro River
to the north of the bridge and three to the south), clearly sepa-
rated by white foam. Only one of the sections is easily cros- XYZ8 Bolognese Footmen Challenging
terrain section
sable: the Guelph faction will have to choose whether to Engineers Civilians Guelphs
Cross it or to pass over the bridge. Formation
Tactical Objectives Points
Capturing B King Enzius 50
Riverbank
Formation
Rough terrain
section Panaro River
Group Rough terrain
Crossbowmen Saracen Archer section
6 Historical Scenarios South
North
Ghibelline Faction
B King Enzius Condottiere Ghibelline Tactical
Guelph Tactical
III. Fossalta E Marino da Eboli
Objective
Objective
fter the first clash at Sant'Ambrogio bridge, F Ubertino dell’Andito
A
Group
King Enzius orders a retreat and stays behind C Buoso da Dovara
to protect the rear guard with his knights.
D Guido da Sesso
Tiepido Creek
The movements of the Ghibelline army, however, are Rough terrain Ghibellines
slower than expected due to the swollen Tiepido Cre- G Ugolino da Persico section Group
ek, near Fossalta. It is precisely here that King Enzius’ H Trinca della Cella Constable
troops are reached by the Guelph army, determined to
IJK Cremonese Allies
prevent the enemy’s escape at all costs.
LM Modenese Allies
Separating Foam
Duration: this Scenario has a maximum dura- NO Modenese Allies
tion of 8 rounds, at the end of which points are sco-
Tactical Objectives Points
red.
Crossing the Creek and reaching the North 50
side of the battlefield with King Enzius Tiepido Creek
Initiative: the Guelph player starts with fewer Via Aemilia (Road)
piles, so they receive the Initiative token. Inflicting damage to the Vehicle (points for 5x
Rough terrain
each indicator ) section
Destroying the Vehicle (in addition to damage) 10
Tiepido Creek: In this scenario, the rough waters of the
creek play an important role in the Ghibelline faction's strate- Guelph Faction West East
gy. Only one of the four creek sections (separated by white
foam) is easily crossable, which is crucial to achieve their B Filippo degli Ugoni Condottiere
Formation
Tactical Objective. C Mattolo Galluzzi Riverbank
D Guido Geremei Rough
terrain
E Lambertino Lambertini
Guelphs
F Michele degli Orsi
Tiepido Creek
G Gerardo Caccianemici Formation
Challenging
H Monsarello Asinelli terrain section Group
J Bonaccorso degli Albari Constable
KLMN Lanzalonga Spearmen
Ghibellines
OPQR Crossbowmen
S Lambertolo Bottrigari Constable Formation
TUVWXYZ8 Bolognese Footmen Tiepido Creek Crops
Bolognese Carroccio Vehicle Group Group
Impassable Rough
terrain section terrain
Monsarello Asinelli 9: Carroccio Guards on board
Tactical Objectives Points Formation Single
Reaching the North side of the battlefield 100
with the Vehicle
8 Historical Scenarios South
North
Guelph Tactical
IV. San Lazzaro
Ghibelline Faction Church door
Objective
B King Enzius Condottiere
he retreat of King Enzius’ army towards Mode-
T
C Buoso da Dovara
na is becoming increasingly disorderly. Having
D Guido da Sesso Group
finally reached San Lazzaro, the young soverei- Church of San Lazzaro
gn seeks a safe refuge inside the church. However, the E Marino da Eboli
Impassable walls, to enter
Guelph militias led by Filippo degli Ugoni are in clo- F Ubertino dell’Andito Interact with an accessible
entrance; tiles are guarding only
se pursuit, leaving him in a tight spot: this is the final
G Ugolino da Persico if they are completely inside
Ghibelline Tactical
Objective
showdown.
PQ Dismounted Saracen Archers
Church door Ghibellines Crops
Duration: this Scenario has a maximum dura- RS Dismounted Saracen Archers Rough
tion of 8 rounds, at the end of which points are sco- Tactical Objectives Points
Via Aemilia (Road) terrain
red.
Guarding the Church of San Lazzaro with 50
King Enzius
Initiative: the Ghibelline player starts with Group
Inflicting damage to the Vehicle (points for
fewer piles, so they receive the Initiative token. each indicator ) 5x Low Wall
Destroying the Vehicle (in addition to Accessible terrain element providing
10 light cover, can be Bypassed
Low Wall Cover: the Low Wall provides light cover in damage)
both ranged and melee combat by penalizing -1 standard die
Guelph Faction Group
off the Combat Skills of each Soldier fighting across the West East
Wall. B Filippo degli Ugoni Condottiere Formation
C Mattolo Galluzzi
Interacting with the Church Door: in order to
Crops Ghibellines
enter the Church of San Lazzaro, it is necessary to Interact D Guido Geremei
with its doors. After performing the Action, the correspon- Rough
E Lambertino Lambertini terrain
ding door receives a white indicator, meaning it is now open. Formation
To close it and thus remove the indicator, the Action must be F Michele degli Orsi
repeated. G Gerardo Caccianemici
H Monsarello Asinelli Guelphs
Guarding: many Tactical Objectives require guarding cer-
tain areas or terrains. To do so, players must bring their Sol- S Lambertolo Bottrigari Constable
dier tiles to garrison at least part of the designated area. If the
TUVW Bolognese Footmen
area is also occupied by enemy tiles, the difference between
Group
the two will be scored. To gain exclusive control of the area, XYZ8 Bolognese Footmen
no enemy tiles must be present. Group
Bolognese Carroccio Vehicle
9: Carroccio Guards on board
Formation
Tactical Objectives Points
Group
Capturing B King Enzius 50
Reaching the Northwest corner of the 50
battlefield with the Vehicle
10 Historical Scenarios South
Ventura Battle System
The authors For a 3D experience
Aldo Ghetti is from Faenza, where he Miniatures. Experienced wargamers probably
lives with his wife Anna and his chil- have already realized that Ventura Battle System™ can
dren, Fabio and Giada. He has been be easily developed on a three-dimensional level by
playing wargames since 1973; he was replacing the tiles with 28 mm plastic or metal minia-
one of the founders of Gruppo Modelli- tures without any change to the game rules.
smo Battaglie in Scala (Scale Model Battle Group) in To do this, you only need to equip mounted soldiers
1974 and Lega Italiana Wargame (Italian Wargame with 40 mm diameter bases and foot soldiers with 25
League) in 1978. mm bases.
He published his first game rules in 1977 on the Elements. Even the battlefield can be transfor-
magazine Modelli Militari. In June 2019, Aldo was med into a three-dimensional diorama: the first step
awarded the title Knight of Order of Merit of the Ita- could be the creation of buildings such as the Church
lian Republic for his culturally relevant work as a of Scenario IV or the Bridge of Scenario II.
history communicator. The most skilled and ambitious hobbyists can
He has also been involved in historical re-enact- set up even more detailed and spectacular dioramas,
ments (mainly jousts and Palios) and he authored two although players should bear in mind that this could
historical board games (Waterloo Enemy Mistakes™ slightly hinder the precision of maneuvers and measu-
in 2015 and Su le Teste!™ in 2019). rements during gameplay.
During Lucca Comics & Games 2019, he received Modules. If you are not satisfied with a handful
the Valerio Conan Laurenzi Award as Wargame Perso- of soldiers and you are not afraid of longer battles, feel
nality of the Year. free to expand the battlefield by combining multiple
maps, possibly involving a greater number of players
Gianluca Raccagni was born in in the project. After all, the more the merrier!
Ravenna, studied Medieval History at
the University of Bologna and moved
to the United Kingdom, where he obtai-
ned a doctorate and a postdoctoral
degree from the University of Cambridge. After a brief
stay in Japan's University of Tokyo, he settled in Scot-
land, where he is currently working as a Lecturer in
Medieval History for the University of Edinburgh.
Besides history (not confined to the Middle Ages),
board games and wargames are big passions of his.
Gianluca combined such passions by designing and
contributing to the creation of historical games and by
using games in his teaching and his academic research.
Saracen Archer
12 Historical Scenarios
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