Removal of 'spent' battalions

[Matt 1805]

Something that has occurred to me is the resiliance of our model battalions beyond their historical counterparts. I had a number of units still functioning with 2-4 figures left. This represents 80% losses; a huge amount. Historically a unit would be broken much sooner than this.

I think it would make sense to simply remove them once they get to a single base - for infantry. that still represents 66% losses, which is a lot, but workable in game terms. Anyone else got a view on this?

Matt

[flick40]

In all my games it's rare a unit gets to that point in 'casualties'. Most have already broken or retired as a result of a morale check. At the very least most have gone shaken. After that rout is not too far behind baring the CC or Brig being right there 'steady boys'.

[barr7430]

Always useful to remember that the rules interpretation of casualties is not that ALL losses are kills/wounded. It is a reflection of physical losses plus depletion in fighting effectiveness via wear and tear. That is why their presence on the field is quite important, it stops the substitution of fresh and powerful battalions into the line too readily.

[obriendavid]

Something that has occurred to me is the resiliance of our model battalions beyond their historical counterparts. I had a number of units still functioning with 2-4 figures left. This represents 80% losses; a huge amount. Historically a unit would be broken much sooner than this. Matt

I don't know how your troops managed to hang about with such casualties, they obviously never had to take any tests otherwise they would have legged it. You are also better to get them out of the way because they can't even support other troops and if they do rout they will cause all your other troops to test for routing friends.
Cheers
Dave

[j1mwallace]

Youd be surprised. A guard or elite unit is very difficult to get rid of. My Dutch guard were down to 3 figures but were there at the end. A unit of 2!!! Highlanders had no bother charging. You are right though insofar as a raw or drilled unit has a lot less chance.

[Captain of Dragoons]

How about 'The War Game / Charles Grant's' rule: 50% losses and the unit leaves the table, as a House Rule.

[barr7430]

Bsck to my original point chaps... not all casualties are casualties, it's about fighting effectiveness. I don;t think a house rule is necessary. The rules work fine the way they are and you can judge the mechanism (any mechanism) on one or two outings... it must be a aggregated picture over dozens of battles before you really get a feel for anything.