The Dauphin and the Sword

About this board game

The Dauphin and the Sword is a two-player historical battle game released in 2014, covering three battles involving Louis XI of France as Dauphin and later as king.

This is the 13th module in the Au Fil de l’Epée series, also known as By The Edge of the Sword, and the first volume of the AFDE – Louis XI series. It presents the Assault on the Fortress at Dieppe in 1443, the Battle of Saint-Jacques-sur-la-Brise in 1444, and the Battle of Montlhéry in 1465.

Each battle includes one historical scenario and one “what if?” scenario, offering six scenarios in total. The engagements place Louis and his allies against a range of opponents, including the English garrison at Dieppe, a Swiss army led by Hans Matter, and Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.

• Dieppe, August 14, 1443: Louis, Dauphin of France, versus William Peyto.
• Saint-Jacques-sur-la-Brise, August 26, 1444: Louis, Dauphin of France, and Jean de Bueil versus Hans Matter.
• Montlhéry, July 16, 1465: Louis XI, King of France, versus Charles the Bold.

The Montlhéry battle is a new and expanded edition of the version published in 2007 with Epées et Couronne. It includes a new map, counters, and scenario-specific rules.

The game contains 324 die-cut counters, two A2 maps, one A4 map, a 16-page rules and scenarios booklet with historical notes, and one player aid. The cover and rulebook are available in French or English, while the charts and tables are bilingual. The Dauphin and the Sword offers a focused look at three important battles from the Louis XI series.