"Zulu in regular formation" Topic

This nice engraving by Fripp was the ispiration for the idea to allow, in TSATF, zulus to act in a formation not restricted to the "Mass" one…as all we know they where a more disciplined foe and we all have read about the buffalo formation..but at a more tactical level in therms of game..did somebody experimented or think it could be realistic and playable without unbalancing the game to let your castings to adopt, for example, a double close order line for warrior armed with shield and assegai?…according to this interesting illustration, also small units, adotpet a form of line while advancing into battle..and i suppose that C E Fripp,being contemorary to the events he depicted probably listen to some first hand accounts…

" for example, a double close order line ", looks nothing like a double line to me…..

I think that many artists would be amazed by the interpretations given their work.

Not sure about 'regular' formations, but contemporary accounts speak admiringly of the Zulus' ability to manoeuvre at speed in extended order, to skirmish effectively and to the volume of firepower they were able to use.

So firing at 'mass' formations should really only apply at closer ranges, as the Zulus close in, and close up their ranks ahead of impact.

Rules could also take into account their ability to drop to the ground just before the British infantry or artillery fired, to minimise casualties. They knew that the infantry would fire immediately after bringing their rifles up to their shoulders in the 'present', or when the artillery crew stepped back from the gun. At Isandlwana, the British over-estimated the effectiveness of their firepower because of this tactic.

I would also be amazed if many artist were actually present to see with their own eye what was actually happening.

i agree VCarter….above all at Isandlwana :-)

This may have been simply to keep the dust out of everybody's eyes.