Ayton May 2022 18thC notes and queries

[World2dave]

As EB has said, unit sizes are pretty flexible really, within reasonable variance so that frontages/footprints aren't too far out. His 15s are a bit odd, let's face it, but hey. We do cycle through periods and settings reasonably well at Ayton, so some of the more exotic units will definitely get their day even if they don't quite fit for 2022.

The key thing in terms of OoBs is the brigade size of 3 units. When we played a big test game it was apparent that the brigade break/morale rules were distorted by brigades of 2 or 4 units, so unless Iain has made any changes in this area I think the brigade size should be fixed. It's worth noting that brigades don't have to stick completely together on the table. There will be definitely spare units knocking about to help fill out brigades for anyone who's short (on numbers, not height).

As I understand it we are switching from a 1 day to a 2 day battle. One thing this may offer is scope for people to use larger forces, as the rules are fairly bloody and units committed at the start of day 1 aren't likely to be around late on day 2! The intention was always to have more of an encounter battle rather than a line-em-up at the start affair anyway, so reinforcements will be needed!

More on this soon.

[Tim Hall]

As EB has said, unit sizes are pretty flexible really, within reasonable variance so that frontages/footprints aren't too far out. His 15s are a bit odd, let's face it, but hey. We do cycle through periods and settings reasonably well at Ayton, so some of the more exotic units will definitely get their day even if they don't quite fit for 2022.

The key thing in terms of OoBs is the brigade size of 3 units. When we played a big test game it was apparent that the brigade break/morale rules were distorted by brigades of 2 or 4 units, so unless Iain has made any changes in this area I think the brigade size should be fixed. It's worth noting that brigades don't have to stick completely together on the table. There will be definitely spare units knocking about to help fill out brigades for anyone who's short (on numbers, not height).

As I understand it we are switching from a 1 day to a 2 day battle. One thing this may offer is scope for people to use larger forces, as the rules are fairly bloody and units committed at the start of day 1 aren't likely to be around late on day 2! The intention was always to have more of an encounter battle rather than a line-em-up at the start affair anyway, so reinforcements will be needed!

More on this soon.

Dave, there was some interesting talk about a form of "patrol phase" on day one, skirmishing between lighter units doing recon and jockeying for position for their main bodies. That might allow some narrative to develop and as you so rightly say, avoid the sort of line 'em up on each table edge we have seen in the past.

[Essex Boy]

I've edited the note on page one to reflect Dave's comment about brigade strength (three units of foot or horse per brigade - that doesn't include a gun or skirmishers).

Iain

[Paul]

If the rules force a set Brigade size doesn't that artificially limit them quite a lot?

[Essex Boy]

If the rules force a set Brigade size doesn't that artificially limit them quite a lot?

Worry ye not, Paul, the rules offer a veritable cornucopia of options, challenges, head scratching moments and other stuff like that. Prescribed brigade size? You'll be so very pleased that you have one less thing to worry about.

Hope that helps.

Iain

[Norman D. Landings]

Any 'cornucopia' worthy of the name would include camel guns.
If it doesn't, it's not so much a cornucopia as a ten-pence lucky bag from Mr Patel's.

[Paul]

Any 'cornucopia' worthy of the name would include camel guns.
If it doesn't, it's not so much a cornucopia as a ten-pence lucky bag from Mr Patel's.

Is Mr Patel's the local brothel?

[Buff Redux]

If you're lucky you don't get a "prize".

[FreddBloggs]

EB I hereby apologise for mentioning camel guns.

[goat major]

Camel guns ? there'll be camel guns ? oh this is exciting. Do Bactrians get twin turrets ? Just updating the xmas list now