So given that the force cmd is present on the field and issues directives to off board formation(s) at any prior command phase
Yep.
the force cmd can then, given he is 1 mile from the arrival point and a formation is arriving say at turn 8 and moving towards the battlefield ployed on good roads (so 12” per turn), he could roll for activation of the directive with a 3 mile negative modifier on turn 6.
Yes, that's correct.
And in so doing could have the formation(s) arriving with activated directives?
Yes. Note that pending what Directive was selected this could be awkward – Support [S] for instance – so the player should be mindful as to what they issue.
This would imply any potential delay markers are placed on the formation card/roster, and reduced as normal each turn?
Correct.
-David
Thanks for the reply. We’re really enjoying these rules. Here we can really focus on running a battle instead of getting lost in minutiae and modifiers.
Turn 8
The final push of the grenadiers are repulsed and they involuntary convert to withdraw moving back down the main road to Amstetten. Support orders are issued to Lannes who just arrived. Miloradovich continues to deploy for battle on the allied left flank.
Turn 9
Fauconnet and his hussars are finally ready for more action and Lannes moves to the French right flank preparing to deploy. Miloradovich completes his deployment and remain on support orders to Bagration.
Turn 10
Move directive is issued to Lannes and Oudinot and his battered grenadiers convert to defend holding the position at the edge of the woods. Suchet’s division under Lannes begins its deployment at the edge of the woods, deploying the 17th Legere to the front supported by the 34th Ligne.
Bagration reorders his battle line making room for Miloradovich moving up the hill into position on Bagration’s left, while Kienmayers division converts to defend far to the rear and is battleready once again.
With only 3 turns left until nightfall and the Russians in a strong defensive position on the hills blocking the approach to Amstetten time is running out for Murat.
Turn 11
Lannes activates his move orders and his artillery is committed and brought forward while partly deployed - a desperate move perhaps. Murat places Oudinot under Reform directive removing 4 of his 10 units and reducing his 10 fatigue to 2, but maybe a bit too late to have an impact on the remaining fight.
Meanwhile, Bagration orders Miloradovich’s artillery forward to the battleline preparing for what seems the last attempt by the French to push through. The following artillery duel incurs a fatigue on each opposing fresh formations forcing Lannes to convert to defend, while completing his deployment. The artillery duel continues in the combat phase with increasing fatigue on both sides.
Turn 12
Well, given the French are still at the edge of the woods and Oudinot on reform status, time is up. With two turns left the best Murat could hope for was a forced withdraw on the Russians with a final desperate piecemeal attack, which would still leave Bagration in control of Amstetten and allowing the Russians a controlled withdrawal under darkness - a victory for the allies.
A good game. Minor mistakes were made, but the conversion opportunities and traps are becoming more intuitive. The French should’ve been much more aggressive considering the little time on their hands.
Now back to the painting table!
What a great project - thanks for all the updates and inspiration!
Pete
About the map panels - your painting the underside with the greens and then setting the painted side down on the cloth? Then the next step is using the markers to draw the features on the unpainted surface (now on the top)?
Also do you use the permanent markers for rivers etc.? If so don't they leave a mark or do they wash off? (Or do you not use them them for those features, then what are they for?)
I have to say this is a great and simple method you've opened up - thanks! I had been eyeing up making a replicate of this table for the last year or so: http://lordashramshouseofwar.blogspot.com/2008/06/updates-wargames-room-and-table.html
