As I have the second box set of Austrians on the way from North Star Miniatures I thought it was about time that I took a serious look at the Austrians for Silver Bayonet.
I have the original boxed set and have done a very little work on them.
The original box set below.
The Austrian army can have the following types of soldiers:
Officer
This is the officer from the first box set.
Dhamphir
The undercoated one is from the first box set and the second is from the spares box, but not sure on the manufacturer. You can only have one per unit, so that is why I have two!
Doctor
Again a nineteenth century civilian from the spares box that will do as a doctor.
Grenadiers
Assorted Austrian Grenadiers from the “collection” with the one on the right from the original boxed set.
Infantrymen
Normal infantrymen, four pre-1809 and one post. I will paint as a mixture of Austrians and Hungarians.
Junior Leader
I don’t believe they are not worth the points, but I have him so why not paint him up just in case!
Heavy and Light Cavalry
I really like the figure reading a map on a tree stump and will add a horse on a base like I did for one of the highwaymen.
Marine/Sailor etc.
Although not in the Austrian list these can be added as per the “going outside the list” rule on page 28 of the rule book, by paying the additional 8 points.
Supernatural Investigator
A figure from the first boxed set but I am not a fan, particularly as it is armed incorrectly for the troop type.
Occultist
I also have the one below from the first boxed set.
Sapper
A sapper in the boring standard pose most manufacturers tend to use!
Veteran Hunter
A nice figure from the original boxed set. I like the model but find these troop types too expensive for a starting unit.
Artillerist
Looks nothing like what it should – see below. Despite this a figure I would consider using.
Austrian Irregular
Not sure where she came from but this figure will look OK painted up. “Angelika” the Tyrolean is a force to be reckoned with, so you Frenchies should look out.
Here is a proposed Austrian list:
Leader: With +1Health, +1 Melee +1 Courage, Medic, Hard to put down, Breastplate, Holy Symbol, Musket, Cartridge box, and Fencing Weapon.
Dhamphir (30): Damage reduction, Strong, Indefatigable, Fencing weapon, 2 pistols, Saltbag, oil and torches, holy symbol.
OR
Champion of the Faith: Miracles, Supernatural veteran, Hand Weapon, Holy Symbol.
Infantryman 1 (10): Musket, Cartridge box, and cold iron shot.
Infantryman 2 (10): Musket, Cartridge box, and silver shot.
Sapper (12): Combat engineer, Musket, Cartridge box, and Heavy weapon.
Grenadier 1 (15): Musket, Cartridge box, Salt bag.
Grenadier 2 (15): Musket, Cartridge box, Silver shot.
Occultist: Spells, Supernatural Veteran, Hand weapon, Holy symbol, Oil and torches.
This group can manage well in most situations. The leader excels in close combat and can use his musket while moving. He can also heal wounds for those near him. The Dhamphir is a strong close combat fighter, dealing damage with his two pistols. There are five other team members providing long-range musket fire, making six with the leader, so they should win most long-range battles. The occultist can be a nuisance by enchanting weapons, cursing opponents to suffer penalties, and manipulating the Fate pool to add more challenges.
A mistake I often see is players not using the maximum of 7 character choices. More is better in Silver Bayonet. Fewer more powerful characters never works.
A final option would be to swap the Dhamphir for a Champion of the Faith for 28 recruitment points, including the “going outside the list” penalty of eight points. This turns the force into a long range combat force as the Champion of the Faith and the Officer, can hide behind the muskets healing troops with miracles and the “medic” trait as they suffer damage. With the two points saved you can now afford to swap the occultist for a Supernatural Investigator. This would be my preferred option, but all in all, either option is a good combination.