Modifying the disordering mechanism in the program would be a major job, and probably unnecessary. A disordered unit could be disordered for 3 reasons; 1 - disorganized for whatever reason (loss of command, casualties, tripped over a ditch, too many beans for supper, whatever), 2 - They are tired (marched to far, ran up some hills, behind the guy with the beans, too much melee), or 3 - loss of moral (too many casualties, wet/cold/dirty/hungry). I suppose also 4 - some combination of the first three reasons. Any of those reasons would effect the ability of the unit to move and/or engage in combat effectively, so the current method of disordering, while annoying, does work and is fairly reasonable within the scope of what a program can do.
The bigger issues are how much it effects the units, and how fast they recover. The game already detracts from combat ability, albeit not quiet as specifically as others suggested, but generically okay. How fast is again a programmed response, the more disordered they are, the longer it takes. If you find the current 0-9 insufficient, then adjust the PDT and make it 0-10, or 0-12, or 0-15. Each point above the 9 makes it that much tougher for the unit to regain it's combat effectiveness. Once past 10, they are pretty much done for the day, or even longer if you have a multi day scenario. You can also tinker with the fatigue recovery % in the PDT. In the BG games the standard is 15% chance daytime, 75% chance nightime. You can always adjust it up or down to suit your desire. I have tinkered with it and upped the recovery to 75/95 and still find a lot of units getting caught in the red. If there is any shortcoming, it is there. I have seen units get 1 fatigue point, then sit around and do nothing for several hours, and just by chance roll they do not recover. Yet other units, get into the red, and within that same time recover time and again. This is a flaw in the system. There is no adjustment made to reflect a unit resting. If you want to build something into the program, add a plus or two for sequential turns with no activity. That way, retirement from the line and rest actually do what they are intended, beyond just avoiding an increase in fatigue. Rests would allow troops time to eat (hopefully not more beans), and change their socks. If you have ever been a soldier or marine and out in the woods, you know what I mean. It is amazing how much of a morale boost you get from a full belly, and dry feet. This rest also gives the Sergeants time to redress the lines.
Cadet William Davis
Royal Military Academy
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