Perhaps another opportunity for me to substantiate the logic behind some mechanisms.
When close combat continues to 'the death' the rules are
simulating once more in a
graphic way. This is NOT the extinction of all life in the close combat it is the destruction of unit combat effectiveness via:
1. Casualties
2. Desertion and stragglers
3. Breakdown of formation
4. Breakdown of chain of command
5. Loss of lower level formation integrity: companies
6. Disorder
7. Exhaustion
8. Broken weapons
9. Lack of ammuntion and powder
10. Thirst and hunger
11. Panic and shock
To the wargamer it may seem like Level 17 of DOOM but in fact it signifies the elimination of a viable 'asset' on the battlefield.
What use were:
The Union Brigade after their charge? They did not ALL die but they were so blown, disorganized and leaderless that they were parked in the rear in case of emergenies.. a one shot weapon!
Think about: The Light Brigade at Balaklava, Think about the Heavies who assaulted the Raevski at Borodino.... wargamers continual use of assets for glory seeking activities are not realistic. How long could YOU (whoever the individual) or I sustain the level of adrenalin necessary to kill a man with a bayonet or a sword? 30 seconds? 2 minutes? This is the kind of logic applied to the R2E mechanisms. We are dealing with simulation of humans under the most severe stress conditions imaginable: imminent and uncontrolable death! Each army was not composed of 40,000 Jean Claude vanDammes, Bruce Willis or Daniel Craig's..
Husband your assets
Use them wisely
Don't expect miracles
Challenge your own perceptions,experiences and dare I say wargames prejudices
I have not gotten everything right. I recognize my conclusions with not suit everyone... that is OK with me! I am happy for gamers to change whatever they want to enjoy the game but don't just change things because you don't like them! Consider my logic and if it still sounds nuts then alter it!
Sorry but I can't go back and reprint the book though!
Keep it coming, any chance to dialogue about concepts should not be missed