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Sunday 12 September 2010

The longer the range, the fewer the dice

Now that I have had some time to think about the battle that was fought earlier today using Richard Borg's BATTLE CRY rules, the one game mechanism that I really do think that I will copy is the one where the number of dice a unit throws diminishes with the range they are firing at.

For example, Infantry have a range of four hexes, and a full strength unit of four men throws four dice if the target is in an adjacent hex, three dice if it is two hexes away, two if the range is three hexes, and a single die if the range is four hexes. The number of dice is also reduced by one if the unit is firing at a target that is on a hill above them.

This is very simple, easy to remember, and encourages each side to close the range and get fighting as soon as possible.

PS. The rules are available in PDF format as a free download.

6 comments:

  1. I think that mechanism is also common to Crossfire, again with good effect and (always welcome) added simplicity of the rules

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  2. It's a magnificent game and Donogh and I have been playing it for ages. I'll warn you though, the temptation to tinker is overwhelming...

    ...I would advise not messing to much with the basic rules, they are solid as a rock - but indulge yourself in some bespoke scenarios.

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  3. So could you kindly supply a link to said download?


    -- Jeff

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  4. Geordie an Exiled FoG,

    I have seen it used elsewhere, but cannot remember where.

    It does seem to be a very simple mechanism that produces results that seem to make sense (i.e. you are less likely to hit a target at long range than short range).

    All the best,

    Bob

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  5. Conrad Kinch,

    As if I would!

    Mind you, Rudi Geudens (of Universal General fame) has done some excellent adaptations for other periods, so you never know ...

    All the best,

    Bob

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  6. Bluebear Jeff,

    The link is in the 'PS' at the bottom of the blog entry. Just in case you cannot access it, here it is as well: Battle Cry Rules.

    All the best,

    Bob

    ReplyDelete

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