DBN v2.1 Firing query

[teacherzzz]

I am currently trying to get to grips with firing using the attrition system. my problem is as follows:

if i have 3 units in line with an ememy unit to the front then i can nominate one of them as firer and the other 2 as support which for muskets would give a 4,2 roll. if the firer loses i assume that the firing unit takes the hit rather than a support unit.

however if an additional unit was to be on the flank of the enemy then it would make sense to use that as the firer and the other 3 in support, thus giving a 4,0 roll, however if the enemy managed to win (with a 1,6 dice roll). who would take the hit as the firer is not in arc but the suppott units are.

I assume that i am playing correctly with firing and response happening on a single die roll and not as 2 seperate outcomes.

I am really enjoying getting to grips with these rules, particularly for big 4 to 6 person games.

hope someone can help me

Geoff

[alex T]

Simple, (as with most things in DBN) Infantry must fire at the nearest unit, see 8.3 and 8.7, therefore the 'firing' unit is the nearest all others that are able are 'supporting' the 'firing' unit, it keeps it very simple. Hope that helps.

[teacherzzz]

But what if the nearest unit is on the flank and therefore not in arc of fire, but the supporting unit is in arc of fire

[alex T]

Now, Red has got himself in a very dangerous situation and deserves all that he is about to get.
If I presume that all are Line Muskets and it is Blues Fire Phase, then the 'flank' unit fires on Red with 3 'supports' and because Red is 'out of zone' it can only 'defend' as it is unable to fire back.
So Blue is 5 (flank shot) and Red is 1 (3 supports) if Red is lucky enough to win then Blue is unaffected. However it is then Reds turn to Fire as it has not yet Fired however all Blues have Fired, therefore Red would Fire at the nearest Blue on a 4 and Red 'Defends' on a 4 with no supports. If Red wins then it should be upgraded to the Guard.
I hope that makes sence.

[Terry37]

Very interesting Alex. I did not realize you could have more than two supports, as in DBA. I think how we would have played it, that Red would have fired back at one of the three blues in hte line in front, which as I see it now would not have been right. But yes, I see how you have made the firing plan and how it should work. Must remember this one for future games should I find myself in such a fix!

[teacherzzz]

Cheers that makes sense, i assume that when red fires the unit it fires at may only defend as it fired in support.

[alex T]

You got It ! ...simples