Ayton 2022 Rules

[Essex Boy]

I hope, master Jamanicus, you're not attempting to introduce a new word into the wargaming vocabulary?

There will be no "doing a Gateway", thank you very much.

[Paul]

Can you explain why you would want to form up like that?

Defending a line with an anchor at one or both ends, makes it more difficult to get around the flanks. The 12 inch gap is of course the same for both so if you chose to bring it down to 3 inches in both instances you get 27 inches and 36 inches which is actually worse ratio wise! Obviously a bigger base size gives greater flexibility, depending on how close you can be to friendly units, the Brigade could plug a gap of between 30 and 45 inches.

Plus of course it wouldn't be a Brigade in Isolation and, depending on how the rules work for running away, interpenetration and morale etc..., you'd have a second brigade behind. Isn't two lines of battle the main historical tactic for infantry in the (C18th) period?

[Jeremy]

I don’t plan to read any of these rules, but to cheat outrageously when my opponent isn’t watching. As Iain has written the rules, I assume I’ll be playing the spirit of the rules then?

[Paul]

I don’t plan to read any of these rules, but to cheat outrageously when my opponent isn’t watching. As Iain has written the rules, I assume I’ll be playing the spirit of the rules then?

This was always my favoured approach with SS&S especially where the rules were a little "challenging".

[Jamanicus]

These are some really simple, straightforward rules....even Peeler managed to get through 2 whole games!!!

I'm just gutted I won't be there!! I'm sure you'll be fine with them on the day Paul

[Essex Boy]

Can you explain why you would want to form up like that?

Defending a line with an anchor at one or both ends, makes it more difficult to get around the flanks. The 12 inch gap is of course the same for both so if you chose to bring it down to 3 inches in both instances you get 27 inches and 36 inches which is actually worse ratio wise! Obviously a bigger base size gives greater flexibility, depending on how close you can be to friendly units, the Brigade could plug a gap of between 30 and 45 inches.

Plus of course it wouldn't be a Brigade in Isolation and, depending on how the rules work for running away, interpenetration and morale etc..., you'd have a second brigade behind. Isn't two lines of battle the main historical tactic for infantry in the (C18th) period?

If you spread your toys out two widely, you won't be bridging or plugging any gap for very long.

Like I say, there are positives and negatives for units with large and small footprints but, until you get Boris to make a law about basing toy soldiers, we'll have to try to accommodate a multitude of preferences. Thank you for the suggestion, but the playtesting has demonstrated that 6", with a bit of generosity (the extra 3") for bigger battalions, works quite nicely.

Yes indeed, if you don't have a second line you will be rather fragile. My choice is to form Brigades with two units forward and one back. It gives less firepower to the Brigade but it makes rotating the units much more reliable. If you wish to rotate a damaged Brigade out of the line (using either the Move or Recall Orders) and replace it with a fresh Brigade, you should bear in mind that your opponent will, probably, get an activation in before you complete the maneuver. If it works though it'll be a pleasure to behold.

E

[Paul]

If you spread your toys out two widely, you won't be bridging or plugging any gap for very long.

My point above being the less widely you spread them the bigger the advantage for the big basers....
...anyway....
....no offences meant of course just playing Devils advocate so you can get your justifications ready for the complaints when someone's perfect plans fall apart

[Jeremy]

I presume Iain is providing us with full colour, glossy hardback copies of the rules. For free?

[Jamanicus]

I presume Iain is providing us with full colour, glossy hardback copies of the rules. For free?

You joke, but he actually did at Gary's!!! They were excellent!!

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

There will be no "doing a Gateway", thank you very much.

Oh, I didn't know you'd copyrighted it.