Breakthrough

Source: Core Rulebook 3E, p. 152

In these scenarios one player takes the role of the attacker whilst the other player is the defender. Breakthrough scenarios involve one force trying to punch a path through an opposing force. This might be because they are seeking to escape from an encirclement, or to smash through the enemy's defensive lines in a major attack. The following units are available.

Attacker's Organisation

In a Breakthrough the attackers will have to battle their way through strong opposition and cover a lot of ground to exploit their success. Elite units will give you a compact, powerful strike force to spearhead your attack and smash a hole in the enemy line. Plenty of mobile Heavy Support could also open up a breach. However you create the gap, lots of Troops in transport vehicles and Fast Attack units will be necessary to flood through and secure your victory.

Breakthrough Attacker Force Organisation

Compulsory Optional
1 Elites 4 more Troops
1 Troops 1 more Elites
2 HQ
3 Heavy Support
3 Fast Attack

Structure: HQ and Elites at the top; below them, four branches — Troops (compulsory), Troops (optional), Fast Attack, Heavy Support.

Defender's Organisation

When defending against a Breakthrough, you should mainly rely upon your units of Troops which can cover a wide area and are still tough enough to withstand a determined attack. Heavy Support will be useful for blunting the attacker's assault before it reaches your line. These units need to be backed up by sturdy Fast Attack or mobile Elite forces which can plug any breaches made by the attacker.

Breakthrough Defender Force Organisation

Compulsory Optional
2 Troops 4 more Troops
1 HQ
2 Elites
1 Fast Attack
2 Heavy Support

Structure: HQ and Elites at the top; below them, four branches — Troops (compulsory), Troops (compulsory), Fast Attack, Heavy Support.

Forces

Both players pick their forces from the Breakthrough scenarios organisation to an agreed points value.

Terrain

Set up the terrain in any mutually agreeably manner.

Selecting a Mission

There are 3 Breakthrough missions. Roll a D6 to randomly determine which mission you will be required to play.

D6 Roll Mission
1-2 Rearguard
3-4 Breakout
5-6 Blitz
  • Rearguard

    Breakthrough mission where a hidden rearguard defender must stall an attacker who commits his army in two waves, the second arriving at turn four.

  • Breakout

    Breakthrough mission where a surrounded attacker, deployed centrally between two split defending forces, must escape half or more of his units off either short board edge.

  • Blitz

    Breakthrough mission where an attacker with a preliminary bombardment must smash through a fortified central zone and push units into the defender's Second Line for victory points.