Austerlitz (play-by-email game)

Austerlitz is a historical wargame, commonly played via play-by-email (PBEM), simulating the Battle of Austerlitz, fought in 1805 between Napoleon's French forces and the combined armies of Austria and Russia.

PBEM Austerlitz games typically involve players taking on the roles of commanders, such as Napoleon, Emperor Francis II of Austria, or Tsar Alexander I of Russia. Players issue orders to their units, which are then adjudicated by a game master (GM) or a rules engine. These orders dictate movement, attacks, and other strategic actions.

The game's duration can vary significantly, depending on the complexity of the rules set and the frequency of turns. Some Austerlitz PBEM games are resolved within a few weeks, while others can last for months.

Key elements of gameplay often include:

• Detailed Order Writing: Players must craft specific orders for their units, taking into account terrain, enemy positions, and logistical considerations.
• Rules-Based Adjudication: A set of rules governs the outcome of battles, movement, and other actions, ensuring consistency and fairness.
• Historical Accuracy: Austerlitz PBEM games often strive for a high degree of historical accuracy in terms of unit types, strengths, and tactical options available to each side.
• Turn-Based Play: Players submit their orders for a given turn, and the GM or rules engine then processes these orders to determine the results.
• Diplomacy (Optional): Some Austerlitz PBEM games may incorporate elements of diplomacy, allowing players to negotiate alliances or coordinate actions with other participants.

Austerlitz PBEM games are popular among historical wargaming enthusiasts due to their strategic depth, historical grounding, and the asynchronous nature of PBEM, which allows players to participate at their own pace.