Grenades in Song of Drums & Tomahawks?

[Whitwort Stormbringer]

One of the British Rangers that I've ordered appears to be lighting a small bomb or grenade, which seems like too much fun to leave out.

Any ideas on how to incorporate these into the rules? I have some other "Songs of.." rules, but only one has small explosives, and no point values for them (plus a different period, so I'm not sure if they would be appropriate).

Thanks!

[mikedemana]

One of the British Rangers that I've ordered appears to be lighting a small bomb or grenade, which seems like too much fun to leave out.

Any ideas on how to incorporate these into the rules? I have some other "Songs of.." rules, but only one has small explosives, and no point values for them (plus a different period, so I'm not sure if they would be appropriate).

Thanks!

Grenades in this time period were used more often against fortifications than in a freewheeling skirmish. So, I doubt we'll come out with "official" rules for their use. But for fun, I would say the delay in their explosion would be the biggest thing to model. And as long as we're having fun, let's have a random element to the timing! Once lighted and thrown (2 actions - people didn't have Bic lighters back then), mark its location (see below). At the beginning of the throwing player's next turn, roll 1d6. On a 1-4, BOOM! On a 5-6, roll again at the beginning of that player's next turn. On a 1-5, BOOM! On a 6, it may be a dud or the fuse came out. Roll again next turn: 1-3 = BOOM! 4-6= dud.

For placement, I would say the throwing player marks the spot he is aiming for and rolls 3 quality checks. To be accurate out to 1 medium distance, he needs only 1 success. More than that out to 2 Medium distances, needs 2 successes. Beyond that, out to max range of 3 medium distances, need all 3 successes. No Leader bonus to quality roll. For every failure away from what is needed, the opponent moves the spot 1 short distance in a direction of his choice.

Damage could be a C3 attack vs. all figures within 1 Short distance of the location.

Note that I do not like the rules for grenades used in Flying Lead or MDRG from the Ganesha Games stable. So, this is intentionally different.

Feel free to change, ignore, or scoff at these suggestions!  And DO let me know how it works if you try it out!

Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com

[Whitwort Stormbringer]

Those rules sound great, thanks! I'm going to try it out at 5 points, and see how that plays out. I like the shifting likelihood of detonation.

To encourage thematic use, maybe I'll also allow them to blow apart small cover or trees, to take out enemy cover.  Could also come in handy when raiding a homestead-turned-hideout, or something...

[morrigan]

That sounds like fun!

[sespe]

I think I'll add a range band and use the same for grenade launchers...

[mikedemana]

Ha, ha! Nice image. Kids do the darndest things...! 

Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com

[nervisfr]

with the recoil, the boy will learn to fly .

Mike, we need a flying rules now !   
 

Cheers
Eric

[mikedemana]

with the recoil, the boy will learn to fly .
Mike, we need a flying rules now ! 

Now you're sounding like one of my co-authors!  I keep swatting his ideas for special rules down for the sourcebooks he's working on for the early period of European-Native American contact... 

Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com

[nervisfr]

no matters mike,

i like the small funny rules that's make a scenario unforgettable....

 

[sespe]

You don't need an open gate and  lacrosse ball when you have one of these!  Just launch the kid over the ramparts.

In reality, we only launch tennis balls out of that.  The big guy in back has launched a full size ball several times.  The first time from his shoulder