General de Brigade

radicalThinker · Joined: 26 Sep 2008 Posts: 18 Location: Chichester

When a unit is conducting a retreat or rout move and has successfully performed the first half straight back when it meets a friendly unit, it is able to avoid it.

The question is how big a gap does there have to be between units for the retreating/routing unit to flow through in their 'column of mob' formation?

DCRBrown · Brigadier Joined: 05 Oct 2001 Posts: 1031 Location: UK

RT,

I would suggest that the gap should be sufficient to cater for the units standard base size - if a base can squeeze through then they all can!

DB

ceara · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 113 Location: Northern Ireland

Hi all

Going to disagree here. Yesterday there was a 5cm gap and two full regts. were attempting to pass through after having been kicked out of a defensive village. The idea of them passing through in an orderly manner with nil effect on their friends is something I have a problem with.

Remember the French just after Waterloo when then came to the bridge over the Dyle stream. There was bedlem.

Ceara

captain chook · Fusilier Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 203

Our group has taken it that once troops have routed > 50% of their move they do not cause any disruption, regardless of whether there is a gap or not (perhaps the troops behind have had time to open ranks etc).

For a "brigade breaks" we have been fairly forgiving as well, allowing any gap as able to pass through. I agree this is not overly realistic and rather detracts from breaking a brigade in some instances.

The morale area seems to create the most controversy when we play. Could we perhaps have a few more examples in the 3rd edition (if it isn't too late).

Ants

Keithandor · Fusilier Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 223

Intersting , a base gap is a good idea but bases do vary between nations , this couyld cause some problems ?

So DB when will 3rd edition be out ?
Can we get a playtest version ?
Will you get rid of the half casualties and speed the game up a little ?
Photo examples of charges.
I reckon you should have power point presentations of charge examples on the website.

SGH · Joined: 29 Sep 2002 Posts: 184 Location: United Kingdom

Where infantry routers are concerned, I would go with the suggestion by DB that a standard base size would normally be sufficient - they are a mob, after all.

It should also be remembered that surrounding units are apt to lower their bayonets in order to preserve themselves from the routers and the dangerous disruption that they could cause.

Cavalry routers might on occasion be different. Bayonets sometimes might not be enough to deter a maddened horse. I could see cavalry bursting through an infantry unit, even though horses will naturally try to avoid obstacles.