I understand that a unit that has been designated irregular is always in open order. I understand that they do not suffer a movement penalty in rough terrain and they do not suffering shooting penalties when in cover etc.
But do they obey all the rules pertaining to formation, or is open order a formation as well? ie Do they form line, or march column etc? How close does each of the bases have to be to each other? Can they move backward at the same rate as forward?
Thanks,
John
My understanding of the rules is that Irregulars adopt the same range of formations, movement rates and manoeuvres as Regulars apart from the ability to ignore rough terrain as you have mentioned. They have combat and shooting differences to Regulars. Their bases are contiguous just as for Regulars with the proviso that if your figures are based as Regulars you can stagger them slightly to act as an aide memoir.
Thanks Alan, I had another look at the rulebook and I believe you are right.
I think I will always have a problem with this (not the rules, but the concept). Can not help thinking that a battalion in open order would have a larger footprint than one in closed order and at the same time would be more maneuverable, just can not visualise it forming square etc, (although if I remember correctly the irregular units caught in the open are done for according to the rules). I suppose though if the frontage was broader then the firepower would be less concentrated. have to think about it a bit more I suppose as the scenario I am running is set up with a lot of irregular troops.
John
John I have several units based up as Irregulars, for which I mount just 3 figures on a standard 40mm x 30mm base (15mm Figures), with extra scenic treatment as befits their mode of use. Certainly beats using Regulars with staggered bases from an aesthetic point of view.
I agree that the Irregular units rules seem a bit odd conceptually. On the frontage issue (which one would think is wider) I rationalise it by assuming that a company or two is at the rear to provide formed supports as was common practice in many armies. This means fewer men are in the firing line hence the same net frontage as the Regular unit.
The part that is harder to visualise, or to think of real life examples of, is Irregulars in square as you say. Also you would expect a little more in the way of manoeuvrability than Regular formations.
When playing scenarios I often allow eligible units to break down from Regular to Irregular taking 1 turn as a formation change and to reform taking 2 turns. I also ban them from forming square while in Irregular formation although they can form into square as part of their 2 turn transformation back to Regulars.
Lasalle has a simple core of rules without too many exceptions. To my mind that is a strength, and one of many reasons why I like them. For me it also means that when I want to I can add the bits of chrome I need for a particular scenario by making up some house rule for that game. I have read with interest your blog entry on Hougoumont. I hope you explain all your adaptations in detail as it progresses.
Thanks Alan, I have tried to make as few as adaptations as possible, they are laid out in coloured italics in my blog post. I suspect there may be more as I move along, but I have got through the first 5 turns in this test run without too much problem.
The 1/2e légère have taken a pounding and are retreating with the hope to recover, but the rest of Baudin's Bde is almost through the tree line and Soye's Bde is just entering from the southeast. The forward elements of the Hanoverian Lueneberg light company and Kielmansegge's Jagers have retreated from the wood with minor casualties. The Guard's light companies formed a defensive line just outside the south gate to fire into Baudin's Bde as they enter into the killing ground, but may have to pull back into Hougomount as Soye's Bde advances. The 2/Coldstream Guards are advancing toward the north gate. The Nassau are well entrenched behind the 7 ft walls of the compound. More to come.
John
The difference in frontage between close order and open order is likely to be invisible on the tabletop. Remember that the bases occupied by figures are grossly distorted from what they should be to match ground scale. Regulars in Line should be about 2mm deep on the table top.
Think of the bases as representing an area of direct interaction, rather than just the physical footprint of the troops. Skirmish screens are included as part of the base as are stragglers etc.
cheers,
--dave
Hi Alan ...p25 an Irregular unit cannot form square..its taken me a fair few games to suss out the uses for irregular units, they are very subtle and should not be overlooked when the terrain and situatation arises to use them....if you are at the Sheffield Triples this year come on over and have a look at the Hougomont demo.
John's Hougomont Blog is spot on and just goes to show the flexablity of the Lasalle ruleset ....Army builder games are good and can be quite exciting at times ....but scenario type games are what will make the ruleset shine ....cheers Paul
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