Breechloader firing

[Streetsahead]

My friend and I are playing the Franco Prussian and Austria wars of the late 1860's utilising the Sharp Practice rules. We have been playing that the breechloaders can fire every time using their two actions to do so. This produces fairly devastating fire casualties, as possibly it did so on the day, but creates a rather one-sided affair. Are we interpreting the rules correctly by doing so or should the breechloaders fire be more restricted? Also characters within a unit; do they need to test in a similar fashion as leaders when taking casualties?

[sjwalker51]

You’ve got it right on breechloaders, they are (rightly) devastating especially when firing at close order troops. Lots of cover and a scenario that encourages tactics other than a long range firefight are essential.

Have you seen John Savage’s article in the last TFL Special?

[Streetsahead]

Thanks for the confirmation that we're on the right track. Will have to investigate suitable scenarios for future encounters, though we are considering making units that fire twice on two consecutive activations take a 'low on ammunition' test.

[sjwalker51]

That’s roughly the approach that John S and I took - some sort of ‘low on ammo’ test does discourage players from blasting away at every opportunity. Negative modifiers for firing through clouds of smoke also helps.

[Peter]

Also present/fire may be a useful tool, and 'uncontrolled volleys' harder to stop - if less effective.