Help support TMP


"solo napoleonic rules" Topic


77 Posts

All members in good standing are free to post here. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the posters, and have not been cleared with nor are they endorsed by The Miniatures Page.

Remember that you can Stifle members so that you don't have to read their posts.

For more information, see the TMP FAQ.


Back to the Napoleonic Discussion Message Board

Back to the Game Design Message Board

Back to the Solo Wargamers Message Board


Areas of Interest

General
Napoleonic

Featured Hobby News Article


Featured Link


Featured Ruleset


Featured Showcase Article

Stuff It! (In a Box)

Personal logo Editor in Chief Bill The Editor of TMP Fezian worries about not losing his rules stuff.


Featured Workbench Article


Featured Profile Article

GenCon '96

The Editor is fresh back from GenCon, one of the largest gaming conventions in North America.


Current Poll


16,310 hits since 21 Jan 2012
©1994-2024 Bill Armintrout
Comments or corrections?

Pages: 1 2 

MichaelCollinsHimself24 Feb 2013 2:08 p.m. PST

Just to keep you all posted on my progress so far…

I have started to work on the solo module again and its coming along just fine!
If you got a copy of it last autumn you`ll appreciate that the module was quite a rough document – it was essentially just my notes on the subject.
Anyhow I`m attempting now to make it more presentable and easier to understand and use.
I was thinking of adding the same information as the Grand Manoeuvre rules have on tactical systems and skirmishing in its introduction, so that when one comes to determining the non-player`s battle arrays there will be a clear understanding about what is being referred to.
I feel that it may be necessary to also add a few additional notes about columns and artillery usage.

I`m not only developing this module for solo play but also because I think it may have an application in games between live opponents; if for instance, there are only a couple of players and they may wish to have their subordinate commanders automated.

Mike.

MichaelCollinsHimself28 Feb 2013 8:55 a.m. PST

Here`s an update of my progress on this project…

Rather than using "chance cards", I have opted for a dicing method for "chance events" in the solo module.
At the end of each turn, one simply rolls four dice at the same time to determine the type of event and to which side it applies!

I`ve been filling in most of the gaps that I had left in the module that a few of you might have had in the autumn of last year… As I said last week, quite a few sections were very sketchy… some only gave the range of outcomes without a dicing method.

I have added a solo play sequence and I have indeed included the section on "Tactical systems" from GM`s introduction, which may be augmented with notes on skirmishing for various nations.

Mike.

thedrake01 Mar 2013 8:49 a.m. PST

Michael,

Interesting developments--look forward to reading the latest version of this.

What happened to your yahoo group??? Looks like its gone….

MichaelCollinsHimself01 Mar 2013 10:59 a.m. PST

Hi Mark,

I changed the yahoo group`s name it`s now called
grandmanoeuvre and it`s at:

link

sorry for confusing matters…

Mike.

Davout197201 Mar 2013 1:26 p.m. PST

I bought a couple books in the early 90's by Charles Stewart Grant called Programmed Wargames Scenarios, and Scenarios for Wargamers. I mention the programed scenarios as they are designed for solo gamers. What I liked about it was the battlefield was broken up into 9 parts, that being a Left, Center, and Right. You diced for how the field was put together. It was kinda like a recon of the terrain opening up before your eyes. He talks alot about chance and it's effect within the game by the use of a regular set of playing cards. What I also liked was the programed enemy plan, which was never revealed until after you wrote out your plan, and after both sides are launched at each other; also, programed enemy responses after say the loss of a key position, turning of a flank, etc. Therefore, knowledge of the enemy plan is very limited and not determined until the moment of crisis is at hand.

The book is worth checking out. Hope it helps.

MichaelCollinsHimself01 Mar 2013 2:18 p.m. PST

Hi Charles,

Yes, I have Grant`s book and I too have divided the areas of the battlefield into 3 parts for the non-player.

The player will deploy first and then within a general framework of the enemy`s posture (attacking/defending), he will determine the non-player`s commands` orders. If the non-player is advancing, then these orders can be wide-ranging – and so if defending, the player may know the general situation, but not be sure how the enemy will proceed exactly.
Various points in the game will provide triggers for the non-player generals to react to either advantageous or disadvantageous events and tactical options are diced for.
Rather than being limited to a set battle plan – one will emerge from the play and changing events and if things go well for the non-player, it might be said that it was all planned perhaps?.

Davout197201 Mar 2013 9:02 p.m. PST

That sounds like a great idea. I would like to playtest these rules, if you don't mind.

MichaelCollinsHimself02 Mar 2013 12:20 a.m. PST

Charles,
A copy for yourself will be in the email later today…

Mark,
If you`d like to contact me at GM the website I could also let you have a copy for play testing.

the website is:

grandmanoeuvre.co.uk

or mail me at:

contact@grandmanoeuvre.co.uk

MichaelCollinsHimself06 Mar 2013 2:09 p.m. PST

Is anyone else here interested in joining the play testing of the solo rules?

Although the solo module may be used for other rule sets, it would be ideal, and more appropriate to have a copy of GM too…

Not got yours yet?

You`ll find them available at:

grandmanoeuvre.co.uk

If interested in the play testing of these rules please contact me here, or at:

contact@grandmanoeuvre.co.uk

Regards,

Mike.

MichaelCollinsHimself18 Mar 2013 4:37 a.m. PST

Raab Starting Orders:

The following is a run through of the set up to a re-fight of the battle of Raab.

Firstly, given the historical situation, the orders for each command where diced for.

The Austrians are on hold (defend) orders (On the day, these orders were not elaborated upon by Archduke John), and the French (plus Italian allies) were advancing.

Secondly then, each army's infantry command's battle arrays and dispositions were diced for.

In each of the cases above I have shown the die rolls made, listed the relevant modifiers and shown the results quoted from the rules.

At the end of this post I have listed some points and changes which needed to be made as a result of dicing for this and "playing it out".

You`ll appreciate that I need to add something of more detail in the rules about cavalry dispositions.

In this game set up example, the non-player attack by Eugene, with his infantry on engage orders is a more of a hesitant, "wait and see what happens"; a probing of the enemy lines rather than the actual attacks initially made on the day.
Another interpretation might be that it is a pinning of the Austrian centre with two flank attacks by his mounted wings – the most powerful of which is on the right.

_____________________________________________________________

1a. Determining Divisional or Corps Orders for the French Forces at RAAB, 14th June 1809.
Battle starts at 10:30.

RAAB: General posture of French/Allied Army: Advancing.
Modifier that applied to the die rolls:
Natural obstacles/defences in front of enemy line: -3 (the stream and banks of the Pándzsa)

On the Right Wing, the line cavalry, Grouchy`s dragoons were rolled for first

Right Wing
Montbrun (Colbert and Jacquinot)
die roll: 9 – 3 = 6
Result: "Support the flank of command already determined to have assault orders".

Grouchy (1st Dragoon Division Guérin)
die roll: 4 – 3 = 1
Result: Assault


Infantry Centre
RIGHT: (Grenier) Seras
die roll: 7 – 3 = 4
Result: Engage.

CENTRE: (Grenier) Durutte
die roll: 6 – 3 = 3
Result: Engage.

LEFT: (Baraguey d'Hilliers) Severoli die roll: 6 – 3 = 3 (Engage)

Left Wing
die roll: 3 – 3 = 0
Result: Assault.
Sahuc extreme left
Baden Brigade extreme left rear

RESERVES:
To be diced for when change of situation determines their use.
Pully (Cavalry Reserve)
(Reserve)

Royal Guard
(Reserve)

Pachtod (Infantry Reserve)
(Reserve)

_____________________________________________________________


1b. Determining Divisional or Corps Orders.


RAAB: General posture of Austrian Army: Defending.
As mentioned earlier, no additional orders had been issued by John on the morning of the 14th – no directions as to rally points lines of retreat or communication. And as per the historical situation, the Austrian orders are very simply; "hold" or be in reserve and do not need to be diced for.

RIGHT WING: (Oberst Emerich Bésán) FML Johann Frimont in command
Hold Orders

LEFT WING: FML Daniel Mécsery
Hold Orders

RIGHT FLANK/COLUMN: FML Franjo Jelačić
Hold Orders

LEFT FLANK/COLUMN: FML Hieronymus Colloredo-Mansfeld
Hold Orders

RESERVE CORPS: FML (Johann Frimont)
Reserve


_____________________________________________________________


2a. Orders & Dispositions (French/Allied)

Infantry Centre

Battle Arrays:

Modifier that applied to the die rolls:
It is clearly visible to subordinates carrying out the orders that the enemy's (player's) first line is deployed. +2

RIGHT: (Grenier) Seras (Engage)
die roll: 20 + 2 = 22
Result:
19 or more: Engage in line, preceded by skirmishers, second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns with artillery in close support by battery and any attached cavalry as flank guard.

CENTRE: (Grenier) Durutte (Engage)
die roll: 9 + 2 = 11
Result:
11-12: Engage in line with artillery in reserve, second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns and any attached cavalry as flank guard.

Bombardment option normally for Corps commanders only (Eugene):
die roll: 7
Result: No bombardment.


LEFT: (Baraguey d'Hilliers) Severoli (Engage)
die roll: 9 + 2 = 11
Result:
11-12: Engage in line with artillery in reserve, second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns and any attached cavalry as flank guard.


(For cavalry dispositions please see notes at end of this post)


Reserve infantry and cavalry formations would most likely have been held in column.


_____________________________________________________________


2b. Orders & Dispositions (The Austrians)

Modifiers that applied to the die rolls:
Enemy has numerical cavalry superiority/threat: +10
Army is behind linear obstacle: -5
= +5 net modifier

RIGHT WING: (Oberst Emerich Bésán) FML Johann Frimont in command
Hold Orders (For cavalry dispositions please see notes at end of this post)


LEFT WING: FML Daniel Mécsery
Hold Orders (For cavalry dispositions please see notes at end of this post)


RIGHT FLANK/COLUMN: FML Franjo Jelačić
Hold Orders

die roll: 19 + 5 = 24
Result:
19 or more: All infantry units in [battalionsmasse] All artillery to second line intervals. Any attached cavalry in reserve to counter-attack and/or pursue if enemy cavalry is disordered.

LEFT FLANK/COLUMN: FML Hieronymus Colloredo-Mansfeld
Hold Orders

die roll: 11 + 5 = 16
Result:
15-16: All infantry units held in [divisonsmasse] screened by skirmishers. Corps artillery in reserve. Any attached cavalry in reserve limited to counter-attack enemy only if one of own lines is broken.


RESERVE CORPS: FML (Johann Frimont)
Reserve
Modifiers that applied to the die rolls:
Enemy has numerical cavalry superiority/threat: +10
Army is behind linear obstacle: -5
Reserve orders: +5
= +10 net modifier

die roll: 4 + 5 = 9
Result:
9-10: Infantry first line deployed screened by skirmishers, second lines and reserves ployed to column. Divisional artillery by battery in the centre. Corps artillery in reserve. Any attached cavalry arrayed to behind flanks.


_____________________________________________________________


Notes:

Lineal armies:
Lineal armies are; Austrian to 1805, Prussian to 1807, Russians to 1807. British throughout.

"Engaging in Line":
When a command is to "engage in line", unless it is a lineal army, it will advance in column to within 20cms (400-500 yards) and immediately deploy to line.

Cavalry Dispositions:
Please note that cavalry dispositions within commands still need to be determined, but they won`t be difficult, as I have said before, I believe that the keys to determining these things are brigade structure and the unit strengths.
Lines in brigades would be equalized to result in approximately the same number of men and horse in each line, so there may not be an matching number of units in each line.
E.g. the Austrian left wing:
Please refer to GM OOB of Raab for the Austrian cavalry.
Unit strength/number of bases in brackets:

Hadik`s brigade could then be in 2 lines:
1st Line Heyes(4)/Zemplin(3) (=7)
2nd Line: Eisenburg(3)/Neograd(2)/Bars(2) (=7)

Andrassy`s brigade could be in 2 lines:
1st Line: EH Nr12(4)/ Vesprim(3) (=7)
2nd Line: Eisenburg(4)/Oedenburg(3) (=7)

(Hadik`s and Andrassy`s brigades would both have a frontage of 7 bases)

Ghilanyi`s brigade may have roughly the same frontage (8), but a little different with 1 line and a small reserve?
1st Line: Husr Ott Nr5(4)/Pest(4) (=8)
Reserve: Barser(3) (=3)

Reserve Infantry Formations:
These will not have skirmish screens and only be deployed if within enemy artillery range.

Modifers:
(Hold Orders)
Adjusted modifier:
"Enemy has numerical cavalry superiority/threat: +10"
"Enemy bombardment in progress (more than one battery firing upon command) or is about to start (massed batteries forming) -10
Added modifier:
"Army is behind linear obstacle: -5"

The bombardment option for Corps commanders only:
The reserve formations artillery batteries would be used for the massed battery plus any available divisional artillery which has been designated as being in reserve in the divisional/corps dispositions.
If no single division/corps is leading (in echelon), then the point that massed battery is to be deployed should be diced for (left, centre, or right).

Added result:
"5 or more: no bombardment."

MichaelCollinsHimself24 Mar 2013 4:04 a.m. PST

The next battle for a trial set up will be Talavera, another battle from 1809, but this one might interest more people here on the TMP Napoleonic forums because it will probably be a case of "column vs. line" again…!
The start of game situation will also probably include a pre-assault bombardment too – so maybe all will fall into place and into context too?

Mike.

MichaelCollinsHimself28 Mar 2013 10:39 a.m. PST

French Set-up at the battle of Talavera:


The following is a run through of the set up of French forces to a re-fight the battle of Talavera.

The player side, the British and Spanish are on hold (defend) orders, and the non-player side being set up is the French (plus German allies) who are advancing.

Firstly, given the general historical situation, the orders for each French corps were diced for.

Secondly then, each divisions` orders were diced for.

Thirdly, each division's dispositions were determined.

And then the infantry brigade arrays in each division were established.

In each of the cases above I have shown the die rolls made, listed the relevant modifiers and shown the results quoted from the rules.

At the end of this file I have listed some points and changes to rules and modifiers which needed to be made as a result of dicing for this and "playing it out".

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Determining Corps Orders.

French Forces at Talavera, 14th June 1809. Battle starts at 10:30.
Army Commander: King Joseph Bonaparte
Chief of Staff: Maréchal d`Empire Jourdan

General posture of French/Allied Army: Advancing.

Bombardment option for Army commanders (Jourdan/Joseph):
die roll: 5 = no bombardment.

ARMY RIGHT:
Modifier that applied to the die rolls:
Added new modifier: Corps orders: -1.

1st Corps: Maréchal Victor
die roll: 3 -1 =2 = "Assault"

ARMY LEFT:

4th Corps: Général de division Sebastiani
die roll: 7 -1 = 6 = "Support the flank of command already determined to have assault orders".
Effectively, these are orders to "engage" the enemy.

RESERVE:

1st Dragoon Division: Général de division Latour-Maubourg
Historically, Latour-Maubourg`s division was held Centrally, behind Sebasitiani`s division


2nd Division: Général de division Milhaud
Historically, Milhaud`s division was screening the and protecting the French armies left flank from Spanish forces in their positions between the town of Talavera and the Pajar de Vergara redoubt.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Determining Divisional Orders.

ARMY RIGHT:

1st Corps: Maréchal Victor
die roll: 3 -1 =2
Corps orders: "Assault"

Bombardment option for Corps commanders:
die roll: 3:
"Command will form a massed battery & engage with artillery in bombardment at normal range. General officer appointed will have ability to test initiative at changes of situation."

Size of massed battery:
die roll: 3:
"The non-player Corps general will select the Corps artillery reserve."
6/8me Artillerie a Pied [8]
2/6me Artillerie a Cheval [6]


Placement of massed battery:
die roll: 10:
"The non-player artillery general will position the massed battery on the right."
[In front of Ruffin`s division]


Modifiers that applied to the die rolls:
Divisional roll & its Corps is on assault orders: -2.
Net modifier = -2

1st Division: Général de division Ruffin
die roll: 3-2 = 1 "Assault".

2nd Division: Général de division Lapisse
die roll: 2-2 = 0 "Assault."

3rd Division: Général de division Villatte
die roll: 10-2= 8 "Reserve."

Cavalry Brigade: Général de brigade Beaumont
Dispositions of Cavalry Brigades/Divisions Attached to Corps:
die roll: 10
"Line cavalry arrayed to the flanks of second line."
[to the right of Ruffin`s division]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Determining Dispositions & Arrays:

ARMY RIGHT:
Dispositions

Modifiers that applied to the die rolls:
It is clearly visible to divisional commanders carrying out the orders that the player's first line is deployed. +4.
Non-player has French army system OR a Prussian army post-1812: -10
Net modifier = -6

1st Division: Général de division Ruffin
Divisional orders: Assault.

Divisional Array & Dispositions
die roll: 10-6 = 4
"Assault in column, preceded by skirmishers with artillery by batteries firing at normal range in support and attached cavalry in reserve to flank with second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns."

Brigades in line or doubled?
die roll: 10-4 = 6 "Brigades will be arrayed side by side."

2nd Division: Général de division Lapisse
Divisional orders: Assault.

Divisional Array & Dispositions
die roll: 12-6 = 6
"Assault in column, preceded by skirmishers with artillery by sections firing at normal range in support and attached cavalry in reserve to flank with second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns."
Brigades in line or doubled?
die roll: 9-4 = 5 "Brigades will be arrayed in lines."

3rd Division: Général de division Villatte
Divisional orders: Reserve.

Divisional Array & Dispositions:
Modifiers that applied to the die rolls:
French system: +10
(the +5 modifier to Reserve support in an offensive posture removed)
Diced for as per hold orders.
Added note: "…read column for "squares" in reserve formations."
die roll: 15+10 = 25 "All infantry units in column. All artillery to second line intervals. Any attached cavalry in reserve to counter-attack and/or pursue if enemy cavalry is disordered."

Brigades in line or doubled?
die roll: 9 "Brigades will be arrayed side by side."


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Determining Divisional Orders.

ARMY LEFT:
4th Corps: Général de division Sebastiani
Corps Orders:
die roll: 7 -1 = 6
"Support the flank of command already determined to have assault orders". = effectively these are orders to "engage" the enemy at normal range.

Bombardment option for Corps commanders:
die roll: 1:
"Command will form a massed battery & engage with artillery in bombardment at long range. General officer appointed will have ability to test initiative at changes of situation."

Size of massed battery:
die roll: 6:
"The non-player Corps general will select the Corps artillery reserve."
12/7me Artillerie a Pied [6]

Placement of massed battery:
die roll: 10:
"The non-player artillery general will position the massed battery on the right."
[In front of Sebastiani`s division]


1st Division: Général de division Sebastiani
Divisional orders:
die roll: NA "Engage." (Support = Engage)

Divisional Array & Dispositions:
die roll: 17+2 =19
"Engage in line, preceded by skirmishers, second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns with artillery in close support by battery and any attached cavalry as flank guard."

Brigades in line or doubled?
die roll: 10+4 = 6
"Brigades will be arrayed side by side."

2nd Division: Général de division Valance
(one regiment of 2 battalions attached to 3rd division as a reserve)
Divisional Array & Dispositions:
die roll: NA "Reserve." (Please see the notes at the end of the file)

Brigades (regiment) in line or doubled?
die roll: 9+4 = 13
Doubled.


3rd Division: Général de division Leval
Divisional orders:
die roll: NA "Engage."

Divisional Array & Dispositions:
die roll: 12+2 =14
"Engage in line, preceded by skirmishers, second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns with artillery in reserve and any attached cavalry as flank guard."
Brigades in line or doubled?
die roll: 9+4 = 13
"Brigades will be arrayed side by side."

Cavalry Division: Général de brigade Merlin
Dispositions of Cavalry Brigades/Divisions Attached to Corps:
die roll: 4
"Line cavalry arrayed to the flanks of second line."
[to the left of Leval`s division]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:
"Engaging in Line":
For a French army, the command will advance in column to within 20cms (about 400 yards) and immediately deploy to line.

Dicing for Bombardments:
First the army commanders Joseph/Jourdan were diced for to set up an army massed battery, if no army level massed battery is set up, and then each Corps should dice to see if there is a pre-advance bombardment. The extra stage to the process was added.

Bombardments and advances:
The lead for the advance of the two French corps will be taken by the corps that has the assault orders. Duration of any bombardment by the engaging/supporting corps will be determined by the leading one (so one only needs to dice for the leading one).

Supporting commands – orders:
Effectively the orders for a command that is supporting the flank of an assaulting command will be to "engage" the enemy. Divisions of a corps which have support flank orders do not need to dice as a hold order would not conform to the corps order to support.
In this case, I thought it more practical not to dice for them and apart from Merlin's cavalry (which seems to have been detached and moved to the north) in general, I simply followed the historical dispositions for Sebastiani`s corps.

Supporting commands:
The supporting distance from the supporting command should be less than one move from the leading one.

MichaelCollinsHimself28 Jul 2013 7:47 a.m. PST

With the Raab test completed a little while ago, I will be updating the solo rules when I get back from a short vacation…

MichaelCollinsHimself07 Aug 2013 11:09 a.m. PST

I`ve updated these rules.

If anyone wants a copy please email me at:

contact @ grandmanoeuvre.co.uk

mike.

MichaelCollinsHimself12 Aug 2013 11:27 p.m. PST

The next battle to be tested will be Albuera…

If anyone has thoughts on the battle and the changes of situation that occurred throughout it – you`re welcome to contribute.

mike.

MichaelCollinsHimself24 Aug 2013 11:12 a.m. PST

British changes of situation for Albuera have been tested and now i`m moving on to the French and in the set up for the battle, I`ll be choosing the French non-player battle arrays.
I know this has been covered before, but i`m wondering if someone out there has some new ideas about V Corps battle arrays?

MichaelCollinsHimself29 Aug 2013 6:51 a.m. PST

The battle array of Girard`s 1st Division of 5th Corps.

Until the final assault was made Girard`s and Gazan`s divisions were ployed in "colonne par regiment" and the battalions were formed one behind the other:

1st division: (GIRARD)

2/34 1/34

1/40 2/40

3/64 2/64 1/64

2/88 3/88

With the 2nd regiments forming to the left of the 1st regiments in each brigade, thus:

1/40 2/40 2/34 1/34


2/88 3/88 3/64 2/64 1/64


2nd division: (GAZAN)

1/21L 2/21L

1/100 2/100

1/28 L 2/28 L 3/28 L

1/103 2/103 3/103

I think that there is a very good chance of this array forming and there`s no need to dice for it.

But, does the division then deploy?…

Page 6, Section Two, Assault Orders:

Modifiers that apply:

It is clearly visible to divisional commanders carrying out the orders that the player's first line is deployed. +4.

An area of enemy line appears to be weak/thinly defended (troops in a single line with no supports): -4.

Non-player has French army system OR a Prussian army post-1812: -10

=-10

A modifier that might also apply…

A contempt or disregard for the enemy (French v Spanish)

- & might suggest others; e.g. Regular v. irregulars. A -4 perhaps?

Die roll:18 – 14 = 4

Result:

3-4: "Assault in column, preceded by skirmishers with artillery by batteries firing at normal range in support and attached cavalry in reserve [none] to flank with second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns."

This is quite close in nature to the actual form of Girard`s attack.


On the "Column v Line" thread, Rod MacArthur`s point about the apparent weakness of the Spanish line opposing Girard was most helpful.

MichaelCollinsHimself06 Sep 2013 2:11 a.m. PST

Apart from some details about sub-ordinate French commanders` reactions after the battle is decided, I have completed the tests of the French decisions in the battle.
If you`re interested, I can send these to you if you email me at:

contact@grandmanoeuvre.co.uk

Not quite all decisions made were as per the historical, but then, the outcomes should not always be predictable!

I will next move on to those decisions that generals Ruty and Latour-Maubourg may make in covering the French retreat and preventing a British/Allied pursuit.

MichaelCollinsHimself05 Jan 2014 12:16 p.m. PST

The Solo Module for Grand Manoeuvre will be published on the evening of the 18th of January (GMT).

This Solo Module for Grand Manoeuvre Napoleonic Wargames Miniatures Rules is intended to generate an unfolding, automated plan of battle for the non-player side.

Once the initial battle dispositions and orders are established there should be little need for the soloist to consult these rules apart from identifying the most significant changes of situation and determining his automated opponents` responses to them.

These Solo Rules may also be used to represent the decisions of subordinate commanders in 1 to 1 game play and adding to uncertainty and unpredictability in "normal" games.

The module has 105 pages – but don`t worry, just like Grand Manoeuvre Miniatures rules, the text is spaciously laid out and the rules mechanism are very simple.

The download will comprise of a full colour version with some nice images of Napoleonic history paintings and engravings and a printer-cartridge friendly version in black and white.

The download will be £6.00 GBP

Thanks to all for your support and encouragement in producing this module!

Regards,

Mike.

Guthroth05 Jan 2014 3:01 p.m. PST

Do we need the main rules to use this module ?

MichaelCollinsHimself06 Jan 2014 9:03 a.m. PST

No, but it would be preferable.
Although I often refer to GM game terms in the solo module, you should be able to adapt most of the "changes of situation" that arise to conditions that occur in the process of playing other rule sets.

MichaelCollinsHimself17 Aug 2016 2:25 a.m. PST

I was thinking about applying this to the ancients period too…

In making stratagem cards for my ancients rules made me wonder if this and my existing solo rules for Naps could be a basis for scenario and battlefield generation for ancient battles too?

I`ll post this as a link too the Ancients discussion board to see if there might be any interest in this.

MichaelCollinsHimself29 Sep 2020 1:43 a.m. PST

Hi, I`m just bumping this to the top for some memebrs who have asked some questions about it recently :)

pfmodel14 Jan 2022 6:02 p.m. PST

Suitability for solo depends on the game system, specifically sequence of play. A simple IGYG sequence of play makes solitary reasonable simple, however its hard to solo figure gaming. A lot of time to setup and pack up just to play solitaire. I do a lot of play testing and I don't generally enjoy it.

Solitaire board gaming is a different story; many hours have been spent playing the old SPI Punic wars.

Idler20319 Jan 2022 7:38 a.m. PST

I find it useful to favour one side and to write a tactical appreciation for the other. I found this a difficult thing to do at first, but it gets easier, and, with it, comes greater understanding, or so I like to believe.

See guide for how to do it.
PDF link

In the tactical appreciation I include (1) a most probable enemy course of action, (2) the most dangerous CoA and (3) the most unexpected CoA. I link this to a % probability to what the enemy will do. These can more or less detailed as the situation requires. I then make and plan for the favoured side, write orders and roll % dice to see what the enemy does. If extra chance events are required these can be linked to some of the unknows that emerge from the tactical appreciation

4th Cuirassier19 Jan 2022 9:23 a.m. PST

The problem I've always found with solo games are that I tend to favour the best painted side, or the side with the best painted individual unit. I also tend to keep favoured units out of harm's way.

I like Idler203's ideas. The most useful stuff I ever got out of a Featherstone book was his ideas on this – decks of strategy cards, and what not.

pfmodel19 Jan 2022 4:21 p.m. PST

The problem I've always found with solo games are that I tend to favour the best painted side.

I am guessing that you would probably always favour the "Adepta Sororitas" in a game of warhammer. For that matter so would I, I would also enjoy painting them up and would put in an extra effort?

Pages: 1 2 

Sorry - only verified members can post on the forums.