Some rules queries-artillery crews
I have had 2 very enjoyable games so far.I have 4 rules queries & one general query.
1)If artillery crews successfully evade a charging infantry or cavalry unit can they later return to their guns & recrew them?
2)With the dispersal rule on page57 should the automatic dispersal point be 75%c.f the 25% stated?
3)Can Cossacks support a friendly cavalry unit(say Dragoons )in melee?
4)How should Cossacks be based-in twos or threes?
5)Any general advice on the best tactics to use for particular units?
Thanks
Re: Some rules queries-artillery crews
1)If artillery crews successfully evade a charging infantry or cavalry unit can they later return to their guns & recrew them?
2)With the dispersal rule on page57 should the automatic dispersal point be 75%c.f the 25% stated?
3)Can Cossacks support a friendly cavalry unit(say Dragoons )in melee?
4)How should Cossacks be based-in twos or threes?
5)Any general advice on the best tactics to use for particular units?
Thanks
Completely 'unofficially':
1) Yes, though the GdB rules family are 'silent' about the process of re-crewing guns, leaving it open to 'club conventions' and the like. What my club does: crews that have reformed into good order (are no longer Unformed from their Evade movement) may move back to their gun model (use Infantry Skirmisher movement rates), reconstituting 'normal status'. Firing on the turn of re-crewing: if the crew used more than half its movement allowance in getting to the gun, the gun may not fire in the ensuing Fire Phase; if less than half the movement allowance was used, the gun fires using the -4 Battery Moved modifier. On subsequent turns, all 'normal' fire modifiers apply.
2) The Automatic Dispersal point is always when 25% or less of the original strength of the unit remains; no morale test is needed. A Dispersal 'morale test' automatically occurs when 50% losses have been sustained. Once 'passed', there is no subsequent 'Dispersal'-driven morale test, however any further morale tests required (tests to charge, stand, etc.) will apply the -4 modifier for 50% losses.
3) I assume you are speaking of Rule 11.5, "Reinforcing Melees" with Cossacks? Situationally dependent on the status of the target (formed or unformed), as Cossacks may not frontally charge formed close order enemies. If the enemy is formed, the Cossacks must charge the target's flank or rear (whilst the Dragoons presumably engage the enemy's front). If reinforcing a melee in which one round has already been fought, thereby 'Unforming' both sides in the melee, the Cossacks could theoretically reinforce the Dragoons by attacking the 'front' of the enemy. The odds of success will not be great however, as per Rule 11.5, the Cossacks have to: a) pass a Charge Home morale test to reinforce; and b) suffer negative Melee modifers of -2 for Irregular Cavalry, receive no '+2 Charging' modifier, and are -2 for being Unformed.
4) It's a personal choice, based on aesthetics & budget. I am basing mine in pairs.
5) Read some good books, and play the game; learn from experience and have fun. :D
Thanks Greystreak.Good advice.
Bryce has pretty much nailed it. to save repeating the points, I concur with him.
Reinforcing an existing melee with Cossacks. Hmmm... that might be the one sensible use for them. In all the games I've played the value of my beloved Cossacks has been limited (and that's being kind to them). As Bryce says, you can try it - it might work - but you just know it shouldn't!
I base mine in pairs - but its entirely up to you.
As for tactics, if you try to use your army historically, you won't go far wrong. In these rules, if you handle it like it was a Napoleonic one, you'll come unstuck. Think up a plan, stick to it, and hold your nerve. Oh, and roll good dice!
Best Wishes,
Angus Konstam
Thanks Angus.I have had four games now & am now beginning to grasp the nuances of the system.The games have had plenty of action & most have featured double sixes at some point in the game-very enjoyable games.
I guess Cossacks would be good for flanking moves & getting through rough terrain.I have had far better results with my Currassiers which seem to be able to carve their way through most Prussian cavalry.
I will try & put your advice into practice.
Regards