Napoleonic Wargame Club (NWC)

Would it be worthwhile making a better distinction between light cavalry (and irregular/cossack cavalry) and heavy cavalry, so that light cavalry can perform its proper role?

For instance:

1./ The ability to skirmish and scout properly. The existing ACW cavalry skirmisher feature would be a very useful addition to this engine, since it allows mounted cavalry to "see" an extra hex and I believe also slows down the advance of enemy units.

2./ A reduction in the level of casualties (from both fire and melee) suffered by light cavalry piquet detachments, to reflect the fact that they're in open order and can retreat quickly on sight of the enemy. Light cavalry should only forfeit this "open order" ability if charging, or if combined into a larger multiple squadron unit or else if stacked with other friendly units apart from leaders.

Also, restoring the counter-charge feature that was present in the old BG series (at least to HPS multiphase mode) would mean that cavalry wouldn't be completely passive in the non-player turn. In single phase mode, rather than allowing the flawed A/I to handle this feature, instead the player might be able to "pre-set" a cavalry unit to counter-charge a specific enemy unit (not necessarily a cavalry unit) in his previous turn. Then, if that unit moved closer to the cavalry, this would trigger the counter-charge.

Any thoughts?

"Bravo" I go along with the fact that it was all most impossible to get Russian Cossacks to charge! An how about battle Cav status!

Thoughts ... could you update your profile to have your full name and army?

The counter charge rule would draw out cavalry more than help it. All I need to do is dangle a light cav squadron in front of your heavies, they charge it ...

Ok - so we go with the "flag" idea for them. Make a dialog where you can choose not to counter charge (more for gamey-ness than historical usage). Then I just dangle half of a squadron of heavies in front of them. They charge them, are disordered after the quick melee and I have them for lunch.

I like the idea of light cavalry being able to cavalry skirmish.

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Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Prinz Peters von Dennewitz

3. Husaren-Regiment, Reserve-Kavallerie, Preußischen Armee-Korps

Honarary CO of Garde-Ulanen Regiment, Garde-Grenadier Kavallerie

NWC Founding Member

For Club Games: I prefer the Single Phase mode of play. I prefer to play with the following options OFF:

MDF, VP4LC, NRO, MTD, CMR, PR, MIM, NDM, OMR (ver 4.07)

In table top Empire Rules you had to roll to move then roll to charge Cossacks that is why the 1805 game is not up to par the cossacks charge and oftentimes win and the French are left with disordered Cav. Inf hit by Cossacks then the French Inf run.