M&R - Maurice

[Hengist]

Hi all, many moons ago, on a Yahoo group far way, I postulated that M&R could be used to model the AWI, merely by assuming that the unit was not a brigade but a smaller formation (without changing the firing distances or movement rates etc.)

At that time Sam launched a spirited defence, basically saying that such a thing was not possible. (it was all highly reasonable and plausible)

Seeing that Maurice now essentially does the same thing, with highly flexible unit representation  (without changing the firing distances or movement rates etc.), Does that point still stand?

Does anybody use M&R for AWI, is it now possible?

M&R is a fabulous ruleset, and I am hankering to start collecting AWI.

Steve

[Bill Wilson]

I am hoping folks with more experience with the AWI will chime in here as the period has become a point of interest for myself and my 7yr old son.

The main issue I see is the game dynamics in M&R emphasis on the problem of getting the "wings" to do what the c-in-c want them to do in a timely manner.  The AWI because of the much smaller forces involved did not have time/size of force/distance as the primary impediment.  Especially for the Patriot side was the issue of unit morale/unit cohesion.  Would the militia stand or run?  In M&R if a unit breaks it is done.  I suppose George Washington would say the same about a number of his formations that he cusses as they fled the field.

Hope to hear more about this.

Bill Wilson

[Hengist]

Hi Bill, this was submitted to me by a chap named Grant who was working on an AWI Variant:

M&R AWI
Here are the "house rules" so far. Bear in mind we are still play testing so some things may change. But thus far we are getting fun games with what seem to be sensible and reasonably historical results:

* I have based units for all but skirmishing troops on 3 bases rather than two. I find the 2 base, 12 figure option in the rules asthetically unappealing. My units are 24 figures strong which gives a central element with colour party and makes MF look like a column.

* Base width 64mm or 2 1/2 inches

* Skirmishers are 4 elements of 3 figures on the same frontage as the line units. So approx 48mm frontage per base. These include Jager, frontiersmen and Indians. They cannot frontally charge line troops (except militia) but can charge each other.

* British Grenadiers sp8, British and French Line sp7, Continentals and Hessians sp6 (or 7 depending on scenario), Rebel and Tory Militia sp5 (can be 4 or 6 depending on scenario), Hessian Jaeger and Frontier Riflemen sp5 or 6, all cavalry sp5, Indians sp4

* Max of 1 light gun per brigade (don't be too generous with these I'm working on a 1:4 ratio at present) which counts as horse artillery for range but with no cannister, moves at foot speed, and can move and fire. If contacted they do not get final shot they are eliminated.

* Riflemen shoot 3 BW, 1 BW is close range

* No AT for British regulars over sp5 to charge militia. No AT for militia and indians to charge each other, nor for rebel and Tory militia to charge each other.

* Militia, Indians and frontiersmen count as irregulars

* With 3 bases per unit we have discussed whether the basic measuring unit should be 1.5 base widths rather than one. However that would increase both firing and movement ranges and require too great a width of table in order to manouvere. So we have stuck to 1bw as our unit of measure. It seems to work. The only downside is that large guns don't shoot very far, we are working on this problem at present...

* Have not as yet worked out command skills for historical generals. Thats the next big project:-D

* Toying with the idea of treating British line as Prussians ie allowing them to oblique. Argueably makes British more "skilled/manouverable than everyone else which "feels" right...

Off the top of my head, thats about it my friend. I don't want to change the basic mechanics too much or it will likely throw the game mechanism out. Purists might already be shaking their heads, but we have had some terrific games recently.

My Americans have 5 units of Continentals, 5 Militia, 1 heavy battery, 3 or 4 light guns, 1 cavalry, 3 frontiersmen, and (coincidentally) 5 French foot regiments and 1 cavalry are about to come off the painting bench. In all around 6 brigades.

His Majesties rightful forces consist of 2 Hessian (actually Anspach-Bayreuth, 2 Jager, 1 heavy battery, 1 cavalry, 3 or 4 light guns, 10 British including converged grenadiers and light battalions, and 3 indians. In all about 5-6 brigades.

[Bill Wilson]

Many thanks for sharing.  That looks very comprehensive and very interesting.

Bill Wilson