In the One Hour Wargames rules, there are four unit types including Knights, Men at Arms, Archers and Levy. The Archers are actually crossbow equipped, gaining a +2 for missile fire but a -2 modifier for hand to hand combat. I could use this profile for English longbows, which would be a simple way to incorporate them in the system, but it doesn't seem quite right to treat crossbows and longbows as exactly the same weapon type?
Instead, I'm thinking of using the same profile but giving the longbow units an additional casualty modifier against mounted opponents, representing the use of defensive stakes - this would half the number of hits inflicted by cavalry against the longbow unit. The unit would have to be stationary to benefit from this bonus and so could not have moved in the previous turn to be eligible.
The other option is to extend the range of longbows to 18" but then remove the +2 modifier for missile fire, reflecting the lesser stopping power of longbows compared to crossbows and their greater effective range. I would also incorporate the casualty modifier for defensive stakes with this to create a bespoke option, the two things giving longbows a distinctive tactical profile.
Thoughts?
Incidentally, I'm also thinking of ways to represent bills and bows as unit types for the Wars of the Roses period, but that's another story....
Modelling rate of fire vs stopping power... I will take a look at the rules myslef later! I would include crossbowmen with the pavise in this period which is another factor...
ReplyDeleteHow about giving them the same defensive bonus as longbowmen with stakes deployed, with the same restrictions on movement, but the bonus only applies to missile fire?
DeleteExactly, while also sticking to the rule mechanisms and not unbalancing things in the process. I did consider just lifting the rules for archers in the Ancients section but that wouldn't reflect the impact of the longbow on C14th warfare. I'm also thinking of how bidowers might fit in... probably just lifting the skirmisher rules from the Ancients as well. Not sure they'd be that useful and/or relevant on the battlefield at this scale of wargame to be fair.
ReplyDeleteActually now considering reducing crossbow range to 9" and keeping longbows at 12", otherwise they'd reach half way across the table!
ReplyDeleteI quite like the decreased effectiveness but longer range of the longbow vs crossbow. I would grumble about the equal rate of fire but in a skirmish game the longbow is generally taking aimed shots rather than volley firing...? Worth giving the suggested scenarios a go... Merry Men looks fun!
ReplyDeleteTake you up on that some time in the not too distant future. Very Cry Havoc inspired.
DeleteFootsore doing a Kickstarter for a new Cry Havoc soon...
DeleteCrikey! That's a blast from the past. I still have my old copy...fancy a game some time?
DeleteFor sure!
DeleteAt the level of abstraction of One Hour Wargames (assuming this is the Neil Thomas rules) I wouldn't bother differentiating between longbows and crossbows.
ReplyDeleteBut the rules you suggest look like they would work fine.
A very fair point. It's just a little bit of period specific focus I'm after to avoid a vanilla game.
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