Post
by barr7430 » Tue Jun 01, 2010 10:50 pm
Actually BLB 2 classifies cavalry as Bullet or Blade. With the former using the more controlled approach and the latter the more aggressive.
Extract from the text:
BLADE: Those trained to charge at a rate between fast trot and gallop using their swords as the primary offensive weapon. These would have higher momentum on contact. As examples, the following would fall into the category of BLADE Horse:
French 1679-1698, English & Dutch 1700 – 1715, Swedes GNW, Jacobite Horse 1689-1691, Polish and Turkish armoured cavalry, other lance armed non-light cavalry.
BULLET: Those trained to advance at a slow trot almost to contact where they would discharge pistols. They would then close with the sword or other hand weapons. BULLET Horse would have lower momentum than BLADE Horse on contact.
As examples the following would fall into the category of BULLET HORSE:
English, Dutch, Danish, German 1689-1698, French 1700-1715, all dragoons except Swedish, Russian Horse Grenadiers during the Great Northern War.
As can be seen, I have not been exhaustively prescriptive but the distinction requested in your post IS included. I have left other interpretations open for gamers to discuss and agree.
There are also further distinctions made for Imperialist Horse in the options for Eastern Wars.
Austrian Cuirassiers are permitted additional options both in attack and defence against enemy Horse. They are classified as Bullet Horse. As such they would ordinarily receive +4 dice when charging and then become Disordered after the first bound of close combat. Austrian Horse approach the enemy more slowly, discharge their weapons and receive only +3 as a charge bonus. In the second round of close combat in all situations except where they lose and are compelled to Break Off or Rout, they do not count as Disordered having held their formation longer than the enemy. This gives them slightly improved possibilities of survival or victory if the get through the first bound. This modification can be used against European players if agreed prior to the game commencing and that it is used throughout the game for every Austrian cuirassier unit.
Austrian Cuirassiers with Defend orders may if charged, choose to stand and receive the charge. In such a situation the enemy Horse will take a Charge Home check as they would against enemy Foot. Although there is no defensive fire the charging Horse move to a distance of 3 inches, take the check and if they fail they follow the result detailed in the Horse Morale Check Table. If they pass they are Disordered on contact and half the number of available close combat dice. These options are not available to dragoons or irregular light cavalry in Austrian service.
This option may not suit all and that is why it is an option. I think it produces a nice variety in the cavalry types.
cheers
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