From: "David S. Bieksza" Subject: SPI Ad: Musket & Pike (6/8) MUSKET & PIKE (Tactical Combat, 1550-1680) * 18 Scenarios * Fire and Melee combat * Cavalry charges _Musket_&_Pike_ is a tactical simulation of warfare in Europe from the introduction of manageable personal firearms to the introduction of the socket bayonet in the late 17th century. _Musket_&_Pike_ simulates battles, or portions of battles, from the Thirty Years War, the English Civil War, and other significant wars of the period 1550-1700. Eighteen scenarios, each rated for compelxity and play balance, depict actions from Gustavus Adolphus' battles at Breitenfeld and Lutzen, to Cromwell's victories at Naseby and Marston Moor. Two die-cut armies representing five distinct infantries, five types of cavalry, and five artillery types, along with a 22" x 28" two-color composite mapsheet are game equipment. The game rules, based on _Grenadier_ (another SSG simulating warfare from 1700-1850) make possible the simulation of period tactics such as infantry squares, and cavalry "caracolla" (aborting a charge at the last moment to deliver point-blank pistol fire instead). By utilizing different stacking limitations, the cohesion of various armies is simulated without resorting complex morale and leader rules. Historical scenario notes and optional game rules are also provided. ------- Dave Bieksza bieksza@aplcomm.jhuapl.edu ------- Where monsters rampage, I'm there to take them down ... Where treasure glitters, I'm there to claim it ... Where an enemy rises to face me, victory will be mine! - Lina Inverse, "Slayers"