Many of the kingdoms of the Warhammer world are separated by towering mountain ranges that can only be crossed at the occasional mountain pass. These narrow defiles are of vital strategic importance, and present a defender with the perfect location to confront an invading army.

This scenario represents a battle fought in such a pass. The battlefield is long but narrow, making simple manoeuvres difficult and outflanking almost impossible. Consequently, such battles become matters of attrition in which only the most courageous will prevail.

Set-up

Place terrain as described.

Deployment

Once the battlefield has been set up, the winner of a roll-off chooses which player will deploy the first unit. The winner of this roll-off must also choose their deployment zone (A or B), as shown on the map opposite. Players deploy their armies using the alternating units method.

First Turn

Once deployment is complete, the winner of a roll-off takes the first turn. The player that finished deploying their army first adds +1 to their roll.

Game Length

The battle will last a random number of rounds or until one side concedes. Starting at the end of the fifth round, roll a D6 at the end of each round. Add the round number to the dice roll. If the total is 10 or more, the battle ends immediately. If the total is less than 10 then the battle continues for at least one more round.

Scenario Special Rules

Bottleneck: The battle is fought in a narrow mountain pass enclosed by high cliffs. Because of this, the long battlefield edges count as impassable terrain. As such, no units (including fleeing units or any arriving from reserve) can leave or enter the battlefield via either long edge unless they have the Ethereal or Fly special rule.

Victory!

Once the battle has ended, use Victory Points to determine which player is the winner.

Historical Recreation

The battle of Gisoreux Gap was a brutal affair fought between two elite and well-equipped armies (all that toll money had to go somewhere!). The Bretonnian army should contain a high number of units of Knights. Any units of Men-at-Arms might be given heavy armour to represent the wealth of their lord and their superior position as guards of an important trade route. The Empire army, being an army of Westerland, a province famed for its use of mercenaries, may include any number of units of Veteran State Troops, provided all have the Mercenaries special rule. To help reflect the bitter nature of the battle and the inability of troops to simply turn tail and flee, players may give up to half of their units the Stubborn special rule.

Both armies should be led by a General mounted on a warhorse, representing Sir Desfleuve and Countess Bergbrech respectively. Historically, there is no evidence that the two fought single combat during the battle, but, as the battle was a matter of honour, players should spare no efforts to ensure a challenge is fought between their Generals.