I have changed the wording to create more clarity.
The FM and BI system would work fine but it is nice to have something different (?)
Firepower
First count the number of shooter bases in the unit.
This initial shooter total is modified by +1 for veteran shooters and modified by -1 for poor shooters.
Thus, a unit with 4 shooters that is veteran counts as having 5 shooters.
Thus, a unit with 4 shooters that is poor counts as having 3 shooters.
Firepower= 1 for each 3 bases of shooters.
A unit can have firepower of 0,1,2,3 or 4
This gives the firepower total.
e.g a unit of 7 shooter bases has firepower of 3.(3+3+1)
e.g a unit of 3 shooter bases has a firepower of 1
Each firepower allows a handful of 4D6 to be rolled.
e.g A unit with firepower 3 would roll 4D6, then another 4D6 then another 4D6.
The only modifiers to the 4D6 are +1D6 if target in the open and +1 if target at short range. NO OTHER MODIFIERS.
Target and shooter both roll their D6 as opposed handfuls. No re-rolls no saves.
Each excess 4,5,6 kills half base of target.
Next i will give an example.
martin :)
EXAMPLE
A unit of 7 British shooter bases opens fire.
The 7 bases give a firepower of 3.
The target is in the open (gives +1D6 to the shooter).
Therefore, the shooter has 5D6 and the target 4D6. The target 4D6 is never modified. The shooter D6 only has 2 possible modifiers (being in the open and short range). The size of the target unit is not considered.
First handful by shooter =3,4,2,2,1 Target handful = 4,4,1,6. Target has cancelled the one/all shooter hit.
Second handful by shooter =5,4,2,5,1 Target handful = 3,5,1,6. Target has cancelled two shooter hits. Outcome = a half base of target unit dead.
Third handful by shooter =2,4,4,4,4 Target handful = 5,3,1,5. target has cancelled two shooter hits . Outcome = two half bases of target unit dead.
This single shooting action has created 3 dead half bases (1.5 bases).
martin :)
EXAMPLE
A unit of poor quality Dervishes with 4 shooter bases.
Shooter bases suffers a -1 to the shooter count due to unit's poor status.
3 bases gives firepower of 1.
Target is at short(proximity) range but in cover.
This gives shooter 5D6 v target 4D6.
Shooter rolls = 4,3,3,1,3. Target rolls = 5,5,2,4. Target successes cancels shooter success = no deads.
martin :)
Summary
1.Add up shooter bases. Apply -1 or +1 to count for poor/veteran shooter status.
2. Each 3 or part of gives a firepower value.
3. Claim a +1D6 if target in the open and/or +1D6 if target at proximity range.
4. Roll the handful of D6 opposed by target handful (always 4D6) the same number of times as the firepower value.
This all constitutes a single shoot action.
Units may attempt up to 2 shoot actions per turn.
There will be opportunity shooting possibilities too.
martin :)
I think it will play more easily than it sounds??
martin :)
Quote from: martin goddard on August 17, 2025, 06:12:30 PMSummary
1.Add up shooter bases. Apply -1 or +1 to count for poor/veteran shooter status.
2. Each 3 or part of gives a firepower value.
3. Claim a +1D6 if target in the open and/or +1D6 if target at proximity range.
4. Roll the handful of D6 opposed by target handful (always 4D6) the same number of times as the firepower value.
This all constitutes a single shoot action.
Units may attempt up to 2 shoot actions per turn.
There will be opportunity shooting possibilities too.
martin :)
That sounds pretty straightforward.
Sinon
Up the khyber
We tried the new system on Tuesday
Two average units
Shooting was very bloody with lots of casualties
Assaults
Most assaults were won by the assaulter
Have to try again on Thursday
Stewart
I agree Stewart.
The pains of creation?
martin :)
As we all know, you have to work on averages with these mechanics. There will always be outlying results in the odd game. These also have to be factored in, but I wouldn't worry about exceptional results either way. That's the fun of using dice. You never know when you're going to roll a load of 6's or 1's 😂
Indeed Sean.
I have done a big re-work for the next game.
To save players from the initial maelstrom of ideas coming and going the playtest group will not start for another week or so.
This means that when we form a play test group, the rules should be useable(possibly).
My initial thoughts are:-
1. Preserve existing unit sizes and army size.
2. Preserve existing scenery and table size.
3. Have a shoot and fight system different to other RFCM rules for variety and excitement.
4. Preserve card system.
5. Preserve a scouting system, but with modifications.
6. Use a 6" grid.
7. Introduce death by the half base.
8. Delete wounded system.
9. Introduce force commander.
10. Simplify scouts.
11. Add a battle sheet
12. Two colours of D6. Action (eight) and shoot/fight (eight).
13. Scenarios remain fairly unchanged. Players will still be able to choose any scenario they wish.
14. Trains and boats.
martin :)
That all sounds very exciting, Martin!
Simon
Thanks Simon.
It is a most interesting period to play.
I am optimistic.
martin :)
My trains and gunboats ready for service
Stewart
You are a high tech commander Stewart.
martin :)
Not at all Martin
I don't like to see my Navel Brigade walking in the heat of the Sudan
That's for the Army
Stewart
Quote from: Stewart 46A on August 21, 2025, 10:05:13 PMNot at all Martin
I don't like to see my Navel Brigade walking in the heat of the Sudan
That's for the Army
Stewart
Is your Navel Brigade comprised principally of belly dancers, Stewart? ;D
Simon
I like the idea of trains ! Now that can be good ?
What period does PiTS cover ? Please
Then I can gauge what trains to buy and possibly convert ?
Miles
Couple of the French Atlas Editions locomotives are pre 1900. PLM big C and Nord Atlantic, City of Truro is just in at 1903.
Obviously The General and The Crampton are mid 1800s.
Miles
Simon
Only on Saturday night after the rum ration,
Miles
Picture of two I bought after looking at pictures of the period
(https://i.postimg.cc/K12cBY6n/IMG-0095.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K12cBY6n)
(https://i.postimg.cc/VdMLJtVf/IMG-0096.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VdMLJtVf)
The Crampton is more 1840 ish. But is do able ? Apparently not the most successful design.
The boiler is different from most trains, but it failed in the end.
I will chuck up some pictures of ones that can be at least adapted !
Miles
Here are some that would fit the timeline within reason.
The Remembrance is just one the nearest I can find to a usual South African train early half of the 20th century.
Miles
(https://i.postimg.cc/JydQd0hv/IMG-4778.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JydQd0hv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/gXXK9pXJ/IMG-4779.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gXXK9pXJ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zLfjjKqT/IMG-4780.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zLfjjKqT)
(https://i.postimg.cc/v4hhf3wQ/IMG-4781.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/v4hhf3wQ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/svpwD3nG/IMG-4784.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/svpwD3nG)