From: resmith@c... (Rob Smith)
Date: Fri, 19 Jul 1996 15:48:57 -0400
Subject: Dirtside II Artillery, etc.
> On Thu, 18 Jul 96 14:35:30 CDT jjm@zycor.lgc.com (johnjmedway) writes: The main issue here, I think, is what do the rules say. We are just learning the rules and we want to play them as written until we better understand how all the different aspects interact. After that, we will likely begin to alter things to fit our perceptions of modern and future combat. AS THE RULES STAND artillery cannot direct fire, nor can the commander of an artillery unit call in his own assets. As John noted, the act of calling the artillery uses its activation and thus it cannot fire. In other words, the effect is the opposite of what you noted; integral artillery cannot support its own units, because there is no direct fire provision and activation of the obsrever activates the tubes as well (which can't land until their next activation). Some other questions by another member of our group follow: > From Tom Primrose: 1. RAM artillery. The rules say they can be mounted on a vehicle, towed or man-packed. If towed or mounted I assume the artillery is with the vehicle but where is the ammo stored for man-packed? Are the ammo chits just placed next to the stand? If the man-packed mortar moves how does the ammo move? I assume the mortar is broken down for moving and if so, should it take one action to dismantle the weapon and one action to assemble it? That is how towed artillery is handled. 2. Are area defense or point defense systems allowed on VTOLs or other aircraft? I can accept that a PDS can be allowed - it can be flares or chaff - but am unsure about ADS. 3. The rules state every vehicle has smoke dischargers. I assume that riverine, vtols and aerospace vehicles would not (any others?). Also, the smoke is placed in front of the vehicle but why can't it be placed on whatever side the player wants, especially if the vehicle has a full traverse turret? 4. If a GMS/L infantry stand draws a "systems down - firer" chit, should the missle not be able to fire until the problem is resolved? 5. HEL, DFFG, and any type of artillery fire automatically sets fire to woods or buildings, does the fire spread in subsequent turns? If this is correct then smoke rounds will cause a fire. Also, how big an area catches fire? The rules state the area fired at catches on fire but what if artillery fires an open sheaf at a wood line or buildings, is the entire area under the sheaf on fire or just the area covered by the impact markers? Well, that's all for now. I'm sure we'll find other vague areas in the rules which need some clarification. Tom That's all for now,