AK thoughts

[martin goddard]

For the next edition of AK (people's Edition) I have sorted through some mechanisms.
The first play test versions will be out once PBI is published.  ie quite soon , July?
As with all of our rule sets the initial ideas may well/will change as the rules develop.

Table size= 5x3
6" squares.
Attacker/defender game style.
No objectives (gosh).
Win criteria. Scenery occupation + deads etc .
Reinforcements= complete vehicle unit  or half of bigger unit increments. ie vehicles arrive in one blob. Foot units are split into two blobs.
Pre game. Selection of 7 (?) events. Apportion D6 (some army modifiers applied). Outcomes applied and win points earned. Higher win points choose to be attacker or defender.

Shooting= SCW "combined D6" method.
Game length= Countdown.
Army build=  SCW type. basic units with bought/allowed additions.
Armies can have professional, regular and militia in the same army. Each army will have restrictions on what is allowed.
10 army types?
Roads= probably only one.
Event/asset/happenings = "Communication" roll. Once or twice per turn? Sliding scale with deviation from choice.
Communications can create  weather, reinforcements, artillery, air etc.

Morale = Possibly PBI version? Maybe something very new.
Special rules for bodyguard base.
Scenery= 5 pieces per player. Probably Mexican FM "one touch" system.
Layout= probably alternate.
Unit command = PBI/SCW system.
Special scenery= Player brings one. Probably only defender gets to use it?
Markers = Pinned, HE, dug in, pre game earned chits.

Many of the mechanisms will be copied and modified from various existing RFCM sets. There will be some new ones too.

martin
 

[Colonel Kilgore]

It's good to see how the cogs are whirring on this one, Martin.

Do you have an idea of core unit composition, yet? Will we need to paint up extra Small Arms bases to make up the numbers?

Simon

[martin goddard]

I think it will start as SCW type.
A foot unit will be 8 bases then + more bases.

Total army approx 36 bases plus a pair of tanks and a pair of armoured cars??

martin

[Colonel Kilgore]

Might we consider including some RPG within the core 8 bases?

I think many of us would max out on the RPGs and not have 32 Small Arms in our current force. Unless of course RPG disappear and we can use them interchangeably with "proper" small arms bases?

Simon

[John Watson]

Surely the rules should be the People's Popular Edition.
John

[Moggy]

Nope, Popular People's Edition ya splitter.   (Monty Python Reference for anyone who can't figure it out)

Derek

[Moggy]

Like the idea of standard units with purchased add-ons.

Might have to consider some of the more "rent-a-mob" like forces may have larger base units but fewer points to spend or like the cavalry army in B&I get an extra platoon.

Derek

[martin goddard]

Thanks for the notes.
Once the rules meet the players there will be a bunch of changes I am sure.

1. RPGs will probably be integral to foot bases. Similar to MOCB.
2. Additional buys of foot bases. Professionals can buy 3 more per purchase, regulars 5 more and Militia 9. As in SCW there will be limits on each army as to what they can buy too.
3. As the rules use the SCW idea; extra MG, mortars etc will become part of foot units.
4. Many WW2 weapons will not feature in AK as they were rare or not useful in Africa. Flamethrowers, foot missiles, light mortars.
5. Mines will come in.
6. The rules will be battle level, which means no  tiny detail.

An army might be 3 foot units which can operate in bits as per SCW/PBI.
Some armies will not have vehicles and some will.
AK will not focus on armoured battles. This will put off some players who want to play cold war or future war western armies. This is unfortunate, but AK has a focus.

Vehicles
They will be bought in pairs and will operate as separate units.
This will allow them to arrive more easily and not to take morale. MG  pick up trucks Will also be in pairs. Some armies might have 2 or 3 pairs.


martin  

[Colonel Kilgore]

Thanks Martin.

I think I'll need to start painting a bunch more Militia!

Simon

[martin goddard]

Thanks Simon

Militia will also get some "back from the dead" bases as part of the communication/event system.  Militia will be made attractive for players.


martin

[Colonel Kilgore]

I do like the returning dead bases aspect of Bloody Barons, so interested to see how this will play out.

I think it's highly appropriate to focus on infantry, and militia infantry at that, in AK47!

Simon

[martin goddard]

SCW is quite  a quick game.  AK can replicate that I think. Or Southmapton gmaes got done quite quickly.
That allows slower players to still get their game done.

martin

[John Watson]

Be careful not to borrow too many ideas and mechanisms from SCW. It really shouldn't be a clone of SCW. That could lead to some saying "Well I play SCW s there is no point in playing AK47". Vive la difference!
John

[martin goddard]

You are right John.
It will be a criticism.

If gamers say it about any two sets of current  RFCM rules then they will say it about  AK/SCW.  If they don't they won't.

I hear it a lot on the radio at present; "they are all the same so I'm not going to vote".



martin  

[Sean Clark]

I think it might be worth considering the off table cavalry movement from Mexico but for wheeled vehicles. Or options to arrive on flanks or rear to reflect the chaotic nature of African wars. No defined lines of attack, more of a here, there and anywhere approach.