Civilians

[ochoin]

My wargaming tends to ignore the inconvenient truth of non-combatants/untrained civilians at the sharp end.
The exception is a large formation of ECW clubmen, that I'm working on now. They're mostly Hinton Hunt figures - crude but with undeniable charm.

In 'Victory without Quarter' they enter on the side of whoever draws their card. There's a chance they won't actually get on the table in most games. I have to work out some stats - probably no shooting but given their number of figures & their profusion of agricultural implements, I think they may be OK in melee. I guess low morale, after the first casualty - "Those cuckolds have scragged Bob! Run, lads, run!!"

All in all, a distraction more than anything else but it should add to the general fun.

donald

[Peeler]

I like the sounds of it. I'd think low morale, a reluctance to get involved, if they get stuck in they might be poor or average or even quite good, but have a low break point. Carry on if winning, but quick to run off if they get even a slight spanking.

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

Kind of like us on an Ayton weekend, then?

[Patrice]

Yes, it's always fun to see lots of NPCs on the gaming table (I know your clubmen are not actual NPCs if there is no GM but it's the same idea, people outside the official armies and of uncertain behaviour).

In our skirmish games such units may have a slight advantage in their first game turn of melee (for enthusiasm) but after that they are much less effective. Also, depending on the context, a well-known village leader, or a priest, may boost their morale.