Thunder On The Baltic: Scandinavian Wars at Sea, 1676-1814

Thunder on the Baltic: Scandinavian Wars at Sea, 1676-1814 is the fifth volume in the Flying Colors series of games on naval combat. It focuses on the rivalry between the two great Baltic Sea powers, the Kingdoms of Denmark-Norway and Sweden, specifically during the Scanian War (1675-1679) and the Great Northern War (1700-1721). Also included is a module of scenarios depicting the so-called “Gunboat War” between Great Britain and Denmark during the Napoleonic Wars (1807-1814).

Like its predecessors, this volume is completely independent of—but fully compatible with—the other volumes in the series. Nothing else is needed to play! This volume comes with an updated and expanded rulebook that adds details specific to the navies included herein—particularly, the introduction rules for the antiquated (compared to the Napoleonic period) rigging and ship design of 17th century men-o-war, fireships, bomb vessels, and special rules for Danish gunboats.

There are 18 scenarios depicting battles between the fleets of Denmark against Sweden and the British Royal Navy against the Danes and Norwegians. Each battle is fought by two players (or two teams of players) across one or several conjoined maps depicting shallows and shoals with individually named vessels that have been specifically rated for their abilities in combat. Players activate these ships through the command abilities of individually rated admirals present at each battle. Players may also easily create their own scenarios with "design your own" rules and even pit these fleets against those from other volumes in the Flying Colors series. The command system provides an excellent solitaire experience as well.

Can you, as the commander of the Swedish fleet, maintain control of the crucial sea lines of communication and supply to your Baltic holdings? Or, as the commander of the Danish fleet, retain control of the Sound and ensure the security of the Capital city of Copenhagen? Now you can find out in Thunder on the Baltic!

Time scale: 5-10 minutes per turn Map scale: 100 meters per hex Units: Individual ships Players: 1-4

—description form the publisher