"Separate Leaders in Rebels & Patriots" Topic

I was working up a scenario for the AWI Battle of Princeton (starting with the Little Wars TV scenario). Reading up on the battle, I think General Washington should be represented by a separate figure who can attach to different units – i.e. more like a leader in "traditional" rules than the Rampant/Rebels & Patriots paradigm where a leader/officer is with a specified unit. I came up with the following:

General George Washington is the CinC, and is represented by a separate mounted figure. He "activates" automatically, he Moves (12") and can Evade like Light Cavalry. If unattached, he may give his +1 Activation and +1 Discipline bonus to any American units within 12". He may also attach to a unit and give them a +2 Activation and +2 Discipline bonus, though while attached he cannot give a bonus to any other units. He may detach from one unit and attach to another unit in the same turn. He may not Fire or Fight. He can become a casualty normally when attached, or if contacted by enemy units if unattached.

A couple of comments on why I wrote what I wrote: 1) I'm not sure why I said "while attached he cannot give a bonus to any other units" other than it's typical of other rules. Also, I suppose I thought if he's dedicating his attention to give a unit +2, then he can't affect other units. 2) I said "He may detach from one unit and attach to another unit in the same turn", even though this isn't that typical of other rules, because of the perceived length of time a turn represents. For example, unlike other skirmish level games, there is no reload mechanic. Also, there is the lack of need to limber/unlimber artillery.

I was wondering what R&P grognards think, and/or if anyone else had tried something similar?

Thanks,
Dave

I agree with #1. If he's busy with the 12th he can't help the 54th.

As for the rest, tis a silly game. Do what sounds fun.

I use all my leaders individually, they only affect the unit they are in base contact with but can move to another unit of needed. An infantry officer cannot join a mounted unit however, but a mounted officer can join a foot unit.

I play R&P and like it. But it's more a large skirmish game. You are more like Col. ‘So and So' than I higher commander in these rules, hence the officer attachment rules.

I use the game more for large skirmishes common in the AWI. For larger battles I look to something different.

That said, the rules are pretty much a toolbox. So you can do what you want.

Codiver, do you plan to use 12-16 figures regiments?

dantheman and 79thPA, I am indeed looking to use R&P units as battalions/regiments. So for line infantry, a small unit would be 6-figs, normal would be 12-figs, and a large unit would be 18-figs.

I like the AWI period, started with British Grenadier, and have tried many other rules, but nothing has fit what I'm looking for, for the combination of complexity level, pace of play, etc.

I am guardedly optimistic WRT R&P, but we'll see how it goes. I typically want to try at least 2 battles/games with a new set of rules. One primarily infantry (I usually do Bunker Hill, but might try Princeton this time) and Cowpens (since it has a significant amount of cavalry).

I played a game at the SYW Con this past Sunday that used 12 and 18 figure battalions. Having never played the rules before, I thought they played fine at that scale.