Overhead archery

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Jeremy
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Re: Overhead archery

Post by Jeremy »

Overhead fire has always been a thing in this period. Don’t overthink it. Come up with a rule that seems reasonable. It’s unlikely to ever be a major factor of play so as long as it doesn’t break play, it’s fine.

Don’t overthink the small stuff. Concentrate on the important things like combat resolution, movement and army morale and the rest falls into place.
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Paul
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Re: Overhead archery

Post by Paul »

So you don't want to debate the colour of Goths eyeshadow or underpants?
DougM
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Re: Overhead archery

Post by DougM »

is that even a question? totes black obv bruv
ochoin
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Re: Overhead archery

Post by ochoin »

[quote=Jeremy post_id=87321 time=1633644681 user_id=81

Don’t overthink the small stuff.
[/quote]

Now that's wisdom, Jeremy.

OK......

Allow interpenetration only through Warband (unlike through units of trained infantry, this would be like pushing through a crowd at a football match).

An archer unit should be allowed a "hasty" shot at a charging enemy (less 25% of shooting dice) before interpenetrating the warband unit behind it & forming up behind them.

If the melee breaks the warband, the archers will get swept up in the same rout.

I'm happy with this.

donald
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Re: Overhead archery

Post by valleyboy »

ochoin wrote: Fri Oct 08, 2021 12:18 am [quote=Jeremy post_id=87321 time=1633644681 user_id=81

Don’t overthink the small stuff.
Now that's wisdom, Jeremy.


donald
[/quote]

and that's an oxymoron :D
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grizzlymc
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Re: Overhead archery

Post by grizzlymc »

More saffer than oxy.

I think overhead is reasonable, perhaps a turn to prepare, lowered effectiveness.

Heavy infantry who fight in close order should not be allowed to interpenetrate, but more open formations should permit interpenetration. I'd say that the retreating missile troops should need a turn to prepare before they start shooting over the unit through which thery have just retired.
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Re: Overhead archery

Post by bangorstu »

I think saying they weren't as good as HYW longbowmen is wrong because in the case of plunging fire what matters is not accuracy but the ability to deliver plenty of arrows into the target area quickly and that's easier to do with a small bow than a longbow as the draw is shorter - though the arrow will be less effective.

Everyone did it, and plenty of Goths would have have experience with the legions, and been able to pass that knowledge on.

Reminds me on an excellent Harry Sidebottom book where a bunch of Germanic raiders pillage a Late Roman town, then form a disciplined column of fours to get back to their boats, quoting Homer as they went....

If the Goths didn't know what they were doing they wouldn't have kicked the Romans out of Spain and North Africa.
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