Here are some proposed house rules for mechanized cavalry (Motorcycles,
Gravboards, etc.):
Mechanized Cavalry Rules
Intro
Cavalry is described on p. 25 of the Dirtside II rules but not addressed in
the Stargrunt II rules. However, this does not address how to handle
Mechanized Cavalry (Motorcycles, Gravbikes, Gravboards, etc.). Following are
rules on how to deal with Mechanized Cavalry. These rules do not apply to
Infantry Walkers. Infantry Walkers are addressed in elsewhere rules.
Definition
Mechanized cavalry refers to one-man vehicles. Two man vehicles are
considered Size-1 vehicles. (DS2 ruling by Mike Elliot).
A mechanized cavalry vehicle has 1 capacity point that may be used to mount a
SAW or IVAR in a FIXED mount facing either Forward or Aft; or forward observer
equipment (rangefinders, Target Acquisition Gear (TAG), etc.).
Movement
Movement Distance
Movement is as vehicles (12" or 2xd12) while mounted and 1/2 base
infantry movement if unmounted.
Terrain Type
Terrain type, while mounted, is based on the mobility type of the vehicle (and
infantry if unmounted): Mobility Method Example GEV GEV Scooter, Hover
Platform Grav Grav Board, Grav Bike, Grav Platform
Tracked Snowmobile, Tracked ATV
Walker See Walker Rules
Wheeled Motorcycle, Wheeled ATV
Mounting/Unmounting
Mounting or unmounting a vehicle is a movement action. Unmounted in this sense
referes to a vehicle that has stopped, whether the figure is still on the
vehicle or not. A mounted or dismounted chit should be used to indicate if a
figure is mounted or unmounted (if you have mounted and unmounted figures, the
actual figure may be switched instead of using a chit).
Combat
Mounted Combat.
- Small Arms combat while mounted is shifted DOWN 2.
- Other weapons may not be fired while mounted unless built into the
design of the vehicle. In such instances, fire is shifted DOWN 2.
Unmounted Combat.
- Combat while unmounted follows normal infantry combat rules
As targets
- Units of mechanized cavalry are treated as infantry for purposes of
targeting.
- If not in a unit or detached as individual figures, mechanized
cavalry are treated as individual figures (wee p. 26)
Comments welcome.
> Cavalry is described on p. 25 of the Dirtside II rules but not
Makes sense so far.
> Mounting or unmounting a vehicle is a movement action. Unmounted
I don't understand this part. It takes an action to stop
driving? That sounds counter-intuitive. Shouldn't the unit be
able to move while mounting or dismounting?
> Combat
There should be a bonus to hit mounted cavalry - compared to
an infantryman on foot, they're big targets and they have a harder time taking
cover. At an absolute minimum, cavalry shouldn't be able to go into position
while mounted or moving.
> -----Original Message-----
[Bri] The intent was to make the figure more accurate in ranged
combat OFF the vehicle. If you make mounting/dismounting a "free
action" then the figure would always claim to be dismounted when
firing. By making mounting/dismounting a movement action, the
figure cannot use 2 actions to move then in the next activation
fire as dismounted (no penalty). By making mounting/dismounting
an action, the figure is at a minimum, bringing the vehicle to a full stop, if
not getting off the vehicle.
I started with on or off the vehicle for mounted/dismounted. But
then someone was sure to say "but if I stop the vehicle, it is just as steady
as if the figure was not on it, so should not have to take a penalty or pay
the action to dismount the vehicle". So, I decided to define Dismounted as the
vehicle fully stopped. But, I guess it can be confusing. So I will remove the
definition of Unmounted. If you are on the vehicle, you take a penalty to your
ability to fire.
Mounting/Dismounting will the same as entering/exiting an APC.
To mount a mechcav vehicle, the figure must be within 6" of the vehicle. It
uses a movement action to mount it. If dismounting, it uses a movement action
to do so and may move up to 6" away from the vehicle.
> > Combat
[Bri] Not any larger than Power Armor (and usually a lower profile
since they are usually hunched over). These are small conveyances. If it is
designed for 2 people, it is a size 1 vehicle and uses the vehicle rules.
> At an absolute minimum, cavalry shouldn't be able to go into
[Bri] Agreed. Unless there are vehicle possitions prepaired (i.e. hull-
down possitions for AFVs.)
> -Mark Langsdorf
My replies, above, marked by [Bri]
My vision for mechcav is to provide mobility to scouts, forward observers,
and/or special forces. I do not think that they would be a good weapons
platform for combat. I would give them greater speed, but SG2 limits vehicles
to 12" (about 27kph if I figured it correctly).
Thanks for your comments!
---
> From: Bell, Brian K (Contractor) [mailto:Brian.Bell@dscc.dla.mil]
I see your point, but I think the distinction is too complicated.
> I started with on or off the vehicle for mounted/dismounted. But
> > > As targets
Hmmm, I was thinking of Gunderian's comments at the start of
"Achtung! Panzer" - something about a cavalry regiment dying in a few
minutes to a company of machine guns, since they were such good targets and
couldn't go to ground. Agreeing with your statement, I would suggest that
mounted cavalry
be targeted as though it were Power Armor - this normally shouldn't
matter, but if people have house rules (for GMS/Ps or whatever), then
mounted cavalry should be subject to them. I'll have to talk with the local
group about a house rule to make
Power Armor easier to hit - it should certainly be easier to detect,
with a higher IR signature and all.
> > At an absolute minimum, cavalry shouldn't be able to go into
Sure, but a unit of motorcyclists shouldn't be able to take cover in the
"open" without dismounting.