Pygmy Wars Red Actions!
This is my version of the Red Actions! rules.
Rules (pdf) and Quick Reference Sheet (pdf)
Differences from the originals
The bulk of the changes reflect the larger size of games I often play, and especially the larger size of table. The effect on artillery of a large table was particularly dramatic.
This version isn't particularly suited to quick small games, being far too fussy about chains of command and keeping track of details of ammunition and moves routed.
Routing
- After a unit rallies from rout it is effectively pinned for two moves for every turn it spent routing.
- A unit that fails a ‘rally from rout’ test takes a humiliated marker.
- MGs and mortars can rally from rout (although they often leave their weapons behind, even when they rally).
In a normal game a unit which routs for a couple of moves is probably so far from the action that it does not matter that it recovers immediately to 100%, but in longer games this is not so true.
- A unit may voluntarily flee from a charge, taking a humiliated marker.
Allows for a unit to be saved from likely utter destruction. Not used much.
Morale
- A unit takes a Serious test if a routing unit of equal or higher class passes within 200m.
This is a version of a optional rule in the original set.
- Once most of the units in a regiment/battalion fail a Fear or Serious test, any assault fails and the units need to regroup before being able to press home the attack.
- Once all the units in a regiment/battalion fail a Fear or Serious test during an engagement, the whole regiment/battalion will start to withdraw.
Otherwise every attack is pressed to the bitter end.
Moving
- Units may march and forced march away from tactical range.
- Cavalry may charge at the gallop.
- Troops can get lost.
Required for realism in a kriegsspiel, but not relevant for ordinary table-top games.
Command
- Only senior officers in the correct chain of command influence the morale of units, and at a limited distance.
This reflects the realities of command.
- Units with the Storm characteristic ignore Mob officers.
- A poor junior officer may be ignored if a senior officer joins a unit.
Personal taste.
- MGs and artillery may combine.
To allow historical use of barrages to break an opponent's line. Not used much.
Shooting
- Troops fire then move
- Restrictions are placed on movement and firing for cavalry, tachankas and vehicles.
The above are largely personal taste, but came about from what I felt were unrealistic results during games – particularly cavalry and armoured cars riding up to units and then blasting them to pieces.
- only a first "retire" result may be ignored by troops in hard cover, and a unit receiving a second "retire" result from shooting gets a terror marker instead.
This is to increase the effect of a "retire" result somewhat, so that lots of low level shooting has an effect.
- Direct hit effects are amended, basically being reduced for range.
- Ammunition supply is limited for artillery
Stops artillery just blasting away all day, which in a war of supply difficulties never happened, and makes a huge difference to the games.
- Artillery may fire indirectly.
Used infrequently, since with the restriction of ammunition it is important to make every shot effective. But they had spotters, and knew how to use them. Is important for armoured trains used as artillery platforms.
Tables
- The shooting table is expanded with more columns, although the basic results are the same.
- The hand-to-hand table is expanded a bit, generally keeping the same results but the extremes of 3:1 or 4:1 differ.
Miscellaneous
- Horse artillery take half a move to limber or unlimber.
- The rules about charging are lightly amended (a maximum wheeling arc of 45ยบ and specifics about pursuing fleers).
- Terrain effects are specified more fully, especially built up areas.
- Troops can entrench.
- There is a visibility table.
- Vehicle break-down rules completely revisisted.
- Commissars do not shoot people to make examples.
Wrong war. Commissars were not yet that powerful.