ECW: Time to make war

My main “concern” with the movement rates I am considering is whether these relatively slow rates would impact on game play to such an extent that things become protracted. As a Solo player, this is less of an issue, but when playing with my son, I don’t want him to become bored. So for the “young man’s” game, I may increase these slightly. We’ll see

I set up a simple arrangement on my 4’ x 8’ table with minimal terrain features.  The scenario is a Scottish covenanter army approaching a village guarded by a small number of P&S and Cavalry.  The “defenders” have no artillery, but the Scots no cavalry.  The forces are unbalanced by design.

Initial dispositions.

The first move brought the Scots forward across the line. English army centre did not move nut both cavalry wings advanced. The two battalions on the English left moved to take position behind the hedges in the village.

As can be seen, the movement allowance shows the slow advance of most P&S units of the time.  Keeping in formation, particularly while carrying an 18’ pole, is relatively easy so long as you are not moving too fast.

By move 3 the Scottish centre line had advanced to almost the middle of the board, and had the English also moved they would be within musket range.  On the wings, the cavalry are in charge range, should they wish to do so.

The Scottish highlanders on the Scottish Right wing are within charge range of the two battalions defending the village.  These forces are behind high hedges, so a charge may not be the best course of action – but given these are Highlanders, I’m sure they will go in!

On the Scottish left, the two left-most battalions have to bring themselves around to face off a possible charge by the English coming around the small copse.

Finally, the “leather” guns will have time to discharge a volley into the oncoming English Cavalry before running for cover somewhere.

So, by move three some degree of aggressive action is possible across the entire frontage of the battle lines.

The following two moves enabled the forces to really engage in combat and battle was commenced on the wings.  In the centre both armies are within musket range and a fire fight is about to begin.

Any increase in movement rates would bring the forces together faster, but perhaps at the expense of more subtlety in decision-making.  So, for now at least, I will keep the movement rates as is. However, as these will have a knock on effect on musket ranges, some change may still occur.