Black Powder Napoleonic Russian Starter Army

About this item

• From the Napoleonic Wars to the American Revolution to the Civil War to the Plain Wars and many other conflicts in between, Black Powder covers a significant period in history spanning almost 300 years, which encompasses an era of warfare defined by muskets and cannons fueled by nothing more than gunpowder.
• Reenact pivotal battles in history within this tabletop combat game using dice, troops, and rules constructed by Warlord Games against one or more opponents.
• Each brigade is led by a single commander. You can move your entire brigade altogether or give individual units their own orders. On each turn, verbal commands are agreed upon by both players and moved based on those verbal commands and the roll of the dice.
• Built to be played on large tabletops, such as a pool table and multiplayer with as many people as you want, Black Powder was originally created to be a club game. A standard move is 12 ins for infantry, 18 in for Cavalry. Each player will need to have a measuring tape handy as they are not included.
• Build, paint and play! The construction and painting of the models and watching them come to life are just as much fun as the game itself!

During the era of black powder firearms, particularly from the 17th to the 19th centuries, the Russian army underwent significant transformations and developments. Here's a brief overview:

Size and Conscription: The Russian army was often one of the largest in Europe due to the vast size of the Russian Empire. Conscription was a common practice, where peasants and lower classes were often drafted into military service for long periods.

Tactics and Organization: In the early part of this era, Russian military tactics were influenced by Western European models. However, under leaders like Peter the Great, the Russian army underwent reforms to modernize and Westernize its tactics, organization, and training methods. This included the adoption of more disciplined formations and tactics on the battlefield.

Use of Firearms: Like other European armies of the time, the Russian army relied heavily on firearms, including muskets and artillery, which used black powder as propellant. Infantry formations typically employed muskets in massed volleys, while artillery played a crucial role in battles and sieges.

Cavalry: The Russian army also had a strong tradition of cavalry, including Cossack irregulars and traditional heavy cavalry units like the dragoons. Cavalry was used for reconnaissance, raiding, and shock tactics on the battlefield.

Logistics and Supply: Maintaining and supplying such a large army over vast distances presented significant challenges. The Russian army developed extensive logistical networks to ensure soldiers were adequately supplied with food, ammunition, and other necessities, especially during campaigns in remote regions.

Wars and Conflicts: The Russian army participated in numerous wars and conflicts during this era, including the Great Northern War, Russo-Turkish Wars, Napoleonic Wars, and various conflicts against neighboring powers and internal uprisings.

Leadership: The effectiveness of the Russian army varied depending on leadership, particularly the competence and strategic vision of its generals and rulers. Military leaders like Peter the Great, Alexander Suvorov, and Mikhail Kutuzov played crucial roles in shaping the Russian army and achieving military successes.

Overall, the Russian army during the era of black powder firearms evolved from a largely feudal force to a more modern and disciplined military machine, capable of exerting considerable influence both within Europe and in its imperial expansions into Asia.