I finally managed to set aside enough time this afternoon to put the ideas that I had about developing my Itchy and Scratchy rules down on paper.
My first idea related to movement, and I have introduced a number of Terrain Effects that were previously missing. (They are – if the truth be told – 'lifted' almost word-for-word from some of my earlier wargames rules ... but they seem to me to be compatible.)
Barbed Wire
Please click on the chart to make it larger.
I think that this should ensure that players find it even easier to use the combat resolution system.
My first idea related to movement, and I have introduced a number of Terrain Effects that were previously missing. (They are – if the truth be told – 'lifted' almost word-for-word from some of my earlier wargames rules ... but they seem to me to be compatible.)
Barbed Wire
- Units and Generals that enter a grid area that contains barbed wire must stop.
- Units and Generals must remove the barbed wire next turn before they can move again.
- Units and Generals must stop when they enter a built-up area.
- Units and Generals must stop when they enter fortifications.
- Units and Generals moving up a hill reduce their movement rate by 1 grid area for each contour line they cross.
- Mountains are impassable. Units and Generals may, however, move through mountains via recognised mountain paths.
- Units and Generals may only cross rivers or streams by bridge or at a ford.
- When using a ford in a river a Unit moves into the river on turn A and stops, then moves 1 grid area out of the river on turn B.
- Units and Generals in rivers may not take part in Combat.
- Units and Generals on roads move at normal movement rate, plus 1 grid area if the entire move is made along a road.
- Only Infantry and Cavalry units and Generals may enter rough terrain.
- Units and Generals must stop when they enter a wood/forest.
- Units and Generals moving through woods/forests have a maximum movement rate of 1 grid area.
I think that this should ensure that players find it even easier to use the combat resolution system.
Bob,
ReplyDeleteThe additions seem very sensible, though I would be inclined to allow Units making a road move to continue on through a built up area without being forced to halt if the road passes through it in periods where troops would actually move on the roads, rather than marching beside them to allow free passage of artillery, couriers &c. as was often the case in the black powder era. So infantry in lorries could just motor through the town along the road without hindrance, unless there was some traffic jam created by other units entering it simultaneously via another road.
Surely a General who is not attached to a Unit, whether on horseback or in a staff car, should be able to go straight through if he has no reason to stop in the BUA?
Perhaps individual BUAs should be designated as chokepoints beforehand, or a die thrown to determine whether they are when troops first enter them?
The dice chart would be good as a QRS during play, but would make the original rules longer if incorporated therein.
For a WWII version, you could rename the rules Tommy & Jerry!
Arthur1815,
ReplyDeleteAs usual you have made some very helpful comments that will help me to improve these rules.
I think that you are right about units and Generals who enter built-up areas via roads NOT having to stop ... although they will have to if the built-up area is already occupied. I will try to find a simple way to incorporate your suggestion in the next draft of the rules.
I am pleased with the way the Combat Results table design looked when it was finished, although you are correct that it does now make the rules three pages long.
I am thinking about developing a 20th century version of the rules ... and your suggested name would be entirely in keeping! Be warned, I may well 'steal' your suggestion!
Many thanks again for your useful comments.
All the best,
Bob
An elegantly simple rule set, Bob.
ReplyDeleteArchduke Piccolo,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your kind compliment, especially as the rules rely on your very simple but elegant combat resolution system to work! Without your initial concept, these rules would never have been written.
All the best,
Bob