"BFE 2 for battalions" Topic

I'm curious about using Battles for Empire II with units as battalions/regiments. Somebody here must have tried this. How well does it work? What's wrong or missing? Did you make any modifications or house rules to fix the things you disliked?

- Ix

I've used BFE2 with battalions for the Russo-Japanese War.

The only amendment I made was that units could not go into skirmish formation

Hi Yellow Admiral,

Shedman beat me to it. The basic rules are fine for larger units from company to battalion. Shedman notes that he limits battalion sized units regarding skirmishing. Depending on how large the action, I would not worry so much about this, or designate certain units as "skirmish units". Note that the regular rules recognize the need for special rules when skirmishing.

The rules specify a generic standard unit size, but I prefer unit sizes to affect tactics. Without a lot more reading, a few test plays and some analysis, I can't tell if there are insurmountable obstacles in the mechanics. So, I'm cheating and asking ahead. Has anyone tried playing with variable numbers of stands?

- Ix

The British field tactical unit was the half-battalion 'wing' of four companies and not the battalion, so if you upscale a level unit composition isn't a problem. Also, if you compare the game's unit frontages with its weapon ranges you'll find that the latter are already about right for one base equals one company games.

Thanks, but at the moment I'm looking to wargame the "what if" US invasion of Mexico in 1865-66 to kick out Napoleon III's French. Not only are no British are involved, but typical battles will be brigade to division size, with the biggest battles having maybe a corps or two per side.

BFE2 already has the right period flavor, but I'm very new to the rules, so I don't know how well they will scale up to full divisions. Shedman's RJW experience is encouraging – that was a very big war, almost WWI-like in many battles. I've also seen home rules posted to the BFE Yahoo Group for WWI gaming with BFE. Shedman, how big were your RJW battles? Do you have any AARs or other info about the games published on Ye Olde Internette?

I ask about variable size units because it's one extra way to help units have individual characteristics. The very unique personalities of the four major factions in this war and various subdivisions of those factions are what make it appealing.

- Ix

To be honest I'm pretty flexible when it comes to what the units represent on the table – companies, battalions even brigades

This is some of the stuff I've done with BFE

link

The rules are definitely geared towards 4 bases or at least both sides having units with the same number of bases.

If you want variable size units then Regimental Fire&Fury is probably your best bet

Are there any suggestions on how to game late 19th C warfare in Europe ?

Since the core of the rules mechanic is based on a four stand unit being able to absorb eight kills, I would stick with four stands as the basic unit. But I have frequently fielded two of the same type units which can then maneuver and fight in conjunction, just not counted as one unit. Remember, the number of leaders is independent of the number of units and is up to the scenario designer. There's no reason one couldn't assign one leader per two units of trained European (or North American) troops and treat that leader as a colonel.
We can play around with this when we play test later this month.

What Nick says

for the RJW we allow the Japanese to re-brigade units during the game provided none of them are Shaken