Traces of Victory: November 1944 — Command the Allied Armies in Lorraine
A strategic offensive in rain and mud
Traces of Victory: November 1944 puts you in the map room of U.S. army headquarters. Between the forts of Metz and the passes of the Vosges, your timing, supply management, and risk assessment determine the fate of entire corps as Patton pushes east and Patch seeks openings in the mountains.
The HQ chit-pull mechanic drives the tempo: when an HQ is drawn, you deploy regiments and battalions to force rivers, seize towns, and pierce fortified lines. Allied air power supports attacks or slows German movement, while mud bogs down armor and turns rapid thrusts into grinding fights. Adjust Combat Intensity to maximize impact at the cost of higher losses.
Highlights
- HQ Chit-Pull with strategic teeth: every draw reshuffles priorities—plan, react, and exploit before the weather intervenes.
- Weather and terrain matter: swollen rivers, steep ridges, and mud limit movement and shorten offensives.
- Air support at the limit: ground support swings combats; interdiction slows German movement until clouds and rain shut it down.
- Fortresses and defensive lines: Metz, Maginot, and the Westwall multiply resistance.
- Supply is crucial: out-of-supply units lose effectiveness and HQs risk dislocation.
- Risk vs. reward: dial up Combat Intensity to push your advantage—but attrition is inevitable.
- Three scenarios or full campaign: Patton’s Assault, Patch’s Advance, Combined Assault; optional 3–4 player team variant.
Game Information
- Setting: U.S. Third & Seventh Armies vs. German forces in Lorraine/Alsace, November 1944
- Players: 2 (optional 3–4 player variant)
- System: Hex-and-counter; HQ activation via chit-pull; ZOC; supply; CRT with column shifts
- Core Mechanics: HQ command radius, Allied Ground Support & Interdiction, weather/mud, fortifications, Combat Intensity, reinforcements, and reserves
- Scenarios: Patton’s Assault, Patch’s Advance, Combined Assault
Box Contents
- Operational map with tracks & holding boxes
- Double-sided unit counters (U.S., French, German), including HQs
- HQ & special chits (SHAEF, OB West, reinforcements, U.S. reserve, supply)
- Markers for weather, mud, air, VP, control & supply
- Player aids with CRT/TEC
- Rulebook
- Two-piece box, 3 counter sheets, 2 folding player aids, turn track card, player boards, 6-sided die
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