Field fortifications - to clarify

[richafricanus]

There have been several threads on this but no official FAQ or errata so I thought it worth clarifying what the rules are re FFs. The following is a summary of what I think the rules are:

1. They can be placed even if you're attacking.
2. Infantry and artillery only retire from fortifications if they rout.
3. Artillery stand and fire when charged and don't need to take a CT.
4. Firing from fortifications is in a 180 degree arc from the line of the rear of the FF
5. Fortifications can receive rear support but not flank support (like
buildings).
6. Cavalry cannot assault fortifications.
7. Large fortifications can be up to 6 inches x 6 inches square, and small
4x4.

Anything not right in the above?

[deadtorius]

point 6 I thought cavalry could assault a FF from the rear only.

[deadtorius]

Is that size you give for 15mm figs? I have to make 2 up some day for my 1812 Russians, haven't done it yet. Not sure if that is the right size for 28mm or not.

[richafricanus]

Sorry yes, cavalry can't assault other than through the rear of a fortification.

These sizes are for 15mm. Not sure what the 28mm sizes are.

[deadtorius]

skirmishers (god knows why they would be there) would be able to stand if charged as well would they not? Similar situation to artillery.

[richafricanus]

And one question: the rules don't seem to restrict placement of field fortifications in terrain. I can imagine it makes sense to put them on a hill or over a road, but it would seem odd if you could place them in rough or difficult terrain?

[deadtorius]

Yes that would be odd.
Just to clarify, infantry in those things shoot as if in a building.
So 4 dice versus any enemy infantry that can shoot at it within medium with score of 6 needed.
4 dice versus any enemy unit that is within 2 MU score of 5 or 6 needed to hit.
Enemy at 6MU 4 dice and 6 to hit at medium range.
Enemy at 2 MU 4 dice and 5 or 6 to hit.
And the attachments the same etc. Is that right?

[richafricanus]

Yes I believe so. Exactly as a building for infantry, while artillery have different dice allocation rules and normal POA's apply.

[deadtorius]

Looks like artillery is the way to go in those things. You can shoot at long range, and at up to three targets with more dice at all ranges than if you had to split your dice like normal. I am looking forward to trying them out, and the french have already told me they are not going near them so I am going to set them up on the flanks and then keep my army close to them so the Froggies won't come near my army.

[Blathergut]

Don't think we'll have much of a game. But we'll see.

Has anyone out there actually played games using field fortifications?

As far as placement, I would say the same as buildings. Place in the open or on an open hill.

[deadtorius]

you wouldnt really put it in terrain I wouldn't think, I mean imagine the manpower needed to clear a forest just so you can build an earth rampart... And visibility issues to boot.On top of my large hill might not be a bad thing though... I think I am pretty much guaranteed being the defender with 1812 Russians.

[richafricanus]

We've used them a bit in Australia with Ottomans and Russians. They are very effective with artillery in them but the player using needs to be prepared to do more than just wait around for the enemy to implode on the FF.

My last game I ended up attacking and probably should have taken my large heavy battery out of the FF as it ended up being too far back to support my attack which then failed.

[deadtorius]

I thought artillery was stuck in those things if it started the game deployed there. I always assumed if they were in FF they didnt have any limbers about so were stationary. I could be wrong mind you but thought it came up somewhere. Thanks for the advice on not waiting for the Frogs to hit the FF's, although blathergut can't just stand there so for all his complaining I am certain he will dash his troops upon my dirt mounds.

[richafricanus]

Yes once you deploy in them you can't leave, but after terrain you only place the FF, not the troops in it. So you can choose to leave it empty or pack it with Opolchenie.

[deadtorius]

I'm not using Opelchenie, I used Grenzers who were poor conscript once, totally useless, never again. I will consider setting up outside and then move in and unlimber on turn 1.

[richafricanus]

In what list do you get grenzers and field fortifications?

[deadtorius]

You dont. I was saying I used Grenzers who were poor Conscript once, same as Opelchenie, thats why I won't use Opelchenie. Poor Conscript are worse than useless, in my opinion and not worth putting on the table.

[richafricanus]

Unless they're not there to fight but look pretty in square on your LOC and bulk up the numbers... 24 points for a large unit is hard to beat for value.

[deadtorius]

Unless they're not there to fight but look pretty in square on your LOC and bulk up the number

Of course if they are forced to fight then its a unit that cant fight and will be an easy kill. I'll take my chances on not having them.

[KeefM]

Hah. I will NOT hear a bad word about large unreforemd Poor Conscripts ! In one of the Melbourne scenario games, one of my two (!) Opelchenie regiments resisted (without routing !) two units of encroaching LC with artillery attachments long enough to allow more infantry to come and save the day.

Like Richard says; better luggage guards are hard to find . . . and the 6 army break points for 48pts keeps the rest of army in the game longer (plus safeguards the luggage !). A bargain. Oh, and pretty too with their icon standard bearers.