Shooting through Gaps (Shooting Arc) Question

[SirGarnet]

I was thinking about how to represent batteries closely supported by infantry, like the FOG Renaissance concept of supported artillery.

Based on the rules

• Range is calculated as the shortest distance between firing and target units.(p48)
  The firing unit draws a line from its center front to any part of the target. (p49)

So, if artillery was deployed in front of a base width gap between two reformed infantry units, an approaching infantry unit lined up on the artillery could be shot at by the artillery and the infantry on either side, since it would be in front of both infantry and a line could be drawn to it from the frontal midpoint of each of the 3 defending units. Or, if the infantry moved forward to the other side of the artillery, the artillery would still be able to shoot through the gap directly forward against any target in front of the artillery's frontage except ta the friendly presence would limit fire to a cone within the base width past the adjoining infantry (due to the lines drawn from the artillery's midpoint past the adjoining infantry).

I just want to confirm this works. If the units were battalions and batteries, it would seem problematic, but it seems to make sense at the regimental scale given the flexibility of separation distance between individual guns and ability of the battalions to dispose themselves within the unit footprint.

[panda2]

You also need to factor in (if you haven't already) the following on p.51:

"Artillery and infantry can fire at any target straight ahead..."
"The firers will fire at 1 cohesion level lower if a line can't be drawn from both its front corners to a target unit"
"A large unit will fire as a small unit if the target is only to the front of the one 'end' base...."

If I have understood your example correctly I expect that in many, if not most instances, the artillery would end up losing some dice.

Andy D

[SirGarnet]

"Artillery and infantry can fire at any target straight ahead..."[p51]

If the artillery is 2-wide, anything to half-width from the gap is ahead of it. I note that supporting fire a base width left or right and flank support may be possible but the geometry could cause problems.

"The firers will fire at 1 cohesion level lower if a line can't be drawn from both its front corners to a target unit"[p51]

Yes, that will mean a cohesion loss unless the artillery is sufficiently far ahead or behind of the foot, which then extends the range.

"A large unit will fire as a small unit if the target is only to the front of the one 'end' base...."[p51]

If it is 3 wide, only half a base would be in front of the rearward infantry if there is a one-width gap. So if the enemy approach was directly on the guns, then this rule would kick iin.

I like the idea of keeping guns to the rear to protect them from assault. But how much should we fear an assault on the guns? Is it worth a complex formation?

Or just put supporting infantry behind the guns and leave it at that? A Large unit could also support the infantry adjoining the artillery unit if they were closed up. But if enemy contacted the guns and they were abandoned, how would a wide unit assault back? Interpenetation does not help since the flanking infantry can only be pushed back one base depth, which is not enough room. Assaults can slide, but I believe a contraction can only be done in movement, not assault.

[hazelbark]

I like the idea of keeping guns to the rear to protect them from assault. But how much should we fear an assault on the guns? Is it worth a complex formation?

Somewhat. If an opponent is willing to risk a unit then they declare a charge and if your gunners abandon then you can be out of action. The opponent then needs to sweep the position.

[deadtorius]

From what I have read sounds like the guns would usually be placed out front, the infantry is close behind. I think you can tell if someone is planning on assaulting your guns, a large battery gets 8 dice, good luck on ever being able to close in on it from the front.
As for support don't forget its 2MU straight ahead and 1 base width to the side, somewhat limited geometry I would think. The enemy has to be within the zone for the flank support to apply.

[pptheos]

Another problem if you leave your guns behind a gap between two infantry units is that you will not be able to redirect your battery to aim to something more interesting if your opponent chooses not to bring his troops opposit to the gap.