As regular readers know I quite like using D3 dice and often change various OHW rules from using D6 to using D3. So rather than using D6-2, D6, or D6+2, I use D3-1, D3 and D3+1 for hits, and cover reduces the score by 1 rather than halving.
But first the tracking of hits. In the games I was tracking hits on D6 dice, but decided I would rather track units to 8 hits using counters. They are less obtrusive than dice, particularly with 15mm figures. I cut out a number of squares from MDF, painted them green, on one side numbered each edge 1 to 4, and 5 to 6 on the other side.
When tracking hits the side with the appropriate number is placed against the stand
 |
| Numbers are written on both sides of the counter |
 |
| A unit with 3 hits |
The rules are below after a couple of photos from a recent game using the rule modifications.
 |
| Close up of the action |
 |
| A game in progress |
- Infantry (line infantry)
- Grenadier
- Skirmishers (light infantry)
- Cavalry
- Artillery
Sequence of Play
- Movement
- Shooting
- Charges
- Morale and Eliminating units
Movement
- Infantry - 6”
- Artillery - 6” (remain stationary after shooting)
- Skirmishers - 9”
- Cavalry - 12”
Turning: Units may pivot on their central point at the start and/or end.
Woods - Only skirmishers can enter.
Towns - only Infantry & Skirmishers may end a move in a town.
Marsh/Lake - impassable.
Rivers - Can be only crossed via bridges & fords. It takes a full move to cross.
Streams - cannot be crossed by artillery. All other units take a full move to cross.
Difficult terrain - only Infantry & Skirmishers can enter.
Hills - all units can move onto hills.
Interpenetration: only Skirmishers can pass through other units and vice-versa.
Shooting
Units that have moved cannot shoot, and cavalry cannot shoot. The procedure for shooting is as follows:
Check field of fire - units can only shoot at a single unit within 45 degree of their frontal facing side. Units in towns have a 360 degree field of fire.
Measure the range - infantry and skirmishers have a range of 12” and artillery 48”.
Assess hits - units roll a D3 dice when shooting with the following adjustments:
- Infantry - D3
- Grenadier - D3, unless within 6" of target then D3+1
- Artillery - D3-1
- Skirmisher - D3-1
Artillery can fire over other units if positioned on a hill.
Units in towns always shoot D3-1.
Charges
Only cavalry units may charge into combat with the following restrictions:
- Can pivot up to 45 degrees before charging.
- Can only attack a single unit.
Cavalry units roll D3 dice with the following adjustments:
- Minus 1 from the score if the target is uphill.
- Double the hits if attacking the flank or rear of a unit.
After the hits are applied. If the defending unit is not eliminated or fails its morale test, then the cavalry retire 6”.
Morale and Eliminating Units
After all shooting has occurred. Any unit that has taken hits must take morale tests.
Roll 2D6 and if the combined score is greater than the unit’s number of hits, the unit carries on. Otherwise the unit fails its morale test.
Artillery, cavalry or skirmishers failing morale tests are eliminated.
Infantry and grenadiers failing morale must retire 6” away from the attacking unit(s). If their retirement path is blocked they are eliminated.
If infantry and grenadiers are charged by cavalry and fail a morale test they are eliminated.
Units are always eliminated upon taking more than 8 hits.
Whenever a unit is eliminated from shooting by infantry positioned within 6" range. One attacking infantry unit can advance into the vacated space. This represents units using the bayonet and charging in when units start to waver.
Note: If you don't like the use of D3 for hits and prefer the use of D6 for hits. Then the morale rule can work the same way by doubling the score of 2D6
Peter, I use a similar casualty based system and have found it essential to deal with the disparity of OHW when an elite is defending in cover. At least failed morale can prise units out of key positions or stall an attack, which seems right.
ReplyDeleteBut it strikes me that retreating units need to also suffer another hit, because otherwise retreating can be an advantage, as the enemy now has to come on again at you and suffer fire on the way in. Unless the retreat counts as movement in the gamer's next movement phase, which would then stop them firing because they have moved.
Thanks for the ideas. I am contemplating having units taking an extra hit, but with a twist. British units would take the extra hit. While American forces don't take a hot but retire 12 inches. Reflecting their ability to fallback and reform, but taking them out of shooting range.
DeleteNice ideas, and I think adds to the OHW framework.
ReplyDeleteIt's also nice to see the older traditional wargame 'morale test' idea, but made seamless in terms of not delaying the game here.
I actually bought some (cheap) d3s (1-3 twice on a d6) in order to try out your systems ;)
I think the morale works where the battles were not such large affairs. May your D3 roll high!
DeleteSome great ideas there Peter, which I will peruse at my leisure.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteHi Peter- Your Peter Laing figures look great- and the terrain super. Cheers. KEV.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Its always enjoyable getting them on to the tabletop.
DeleteHave you tried using 5 or 7mm dice for marking?
ReplyDeleteAnother very enjoyable post. Thank you.
I have been using 12mm dice. These smaller dice could well be useful. Glad you are enjoying the posts. Thanks.
DeleteI wonder if Grenadiers should be able to charge to contact.
ReplyDeleteSimon
I was in two minds about having them charge, and in the end decided to go with a plus 1 to dice rolls when they close to less than 6 inches.
DeleteI like your moral ideas for THW, Peter!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I am still playing around with them. For example, having a commander adds 1 to the score or allow a re-roll.
ReplyDeleteHow do you count hits on units? Do you start with a rating of, say, 15 and count down or do you start with 0 hits and count up as units endure losses? Did I miss something in the post explaining your process?
ReplyDeleteI count up from 0 to 8 for hits. That way the chances of failing moral increases as hits are accumulated. Units are removed upon more than 8 hits with using D3 dice. It is hidden a bit in the section moral and eliminating units.
Delete