representing pikemen

[markdo]

Barry,
Are there any plans to change how pikemen are represented in regiments when the Ireland supplement comes out? At the moment I use 3 pikeman figures on the same base size as a 6 figure block of 35x30mm (15mm figures).
It would take less space (and I have them to hand anyway) to use a 30x15mm base.
However I'm wondering if you are planning any overhaul to how they are represented given how many Irish regiments were high in pikes.

Mark

[barr7430]

Mark,

we used a system for the big weekender game which categorized units as follows:

All Musket - as per BLB
Pike & Shot - normal ratios of representation as per BLB
2:1 muskets to pike
1:1 muskets to pike
1:2 muskets to pike
All pike

The last 4 designations are of course new. The rules are modifiec to reflect casualty distribution and shooting/comabt capability. That will be included in the Ireland supplement. As far as representation is concerned the rules will not be prescriptive as the designation (above) is noted on the Roster and is simply referred to during shooting/combat. From an aesthetics perspective, I used 3 stand units with central stand pikes (ie no rear pike stand) for 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2. For All pike I used 3 stand units will all pikes! examples of the latter in the Warfare Gallery.

Hope this clarifies.

[markdo]

Thanks for the reply Barry,
I need to think about this one. I started with my army of Monmouth and had all my bases as a mixture of musket, pike and scythe/farm weapons. That seemed aesthetically right to me.

I can see how useful it is though, to have straight bases of pike or musket, though, for representing different ratios.

In gaming terms, will there be new modifiers for shooting or for melee for these units eg with 2:1 pike:musket?

Mark

[barr7430]

I wouldn't rebase if I were you. If the mix looks good stick with it. Manage the firing and casualty distribution on paper or with markers (different colours for different weapon types). Should be easy to work out a system. My original collection 20 years had pike and shot mixed on the 2 central bases, we worked through that at the time although the inclusion of 2 or 3 pikemen randomly distributed in a unit of 16 models was one of the main reasons I came up with the seperate pike stand as I didn't think it looked right.

On the second subject, yes there ARE different combat factors, that is part of the Ireland supplement book content.

[turrabear]

any news on the ireland supplement yet.

[barr7430]

Skirmish rules have jumped the queue a bit Mark but the important thing about the Ireland supplement is we know exactly what is going it it, the figures are painted and may of the photographs done so it will be the next off the skids after this queue jumper is sorted!