Red Actions!

Red Actions! (2 Edition) nd

White Re-Actions!
A game of Battalion level battles and ambushes in the Russian Civil
War Period
Liberated Russia will not be
enslaved. It will arise and grow
strong, it will cast out the beasts of
prey, it will live in fraternal unity
with the liberated peoples of all
lands.

In the name of the Socialist

Republic, the Council of People’s
Commissars calls upon all Soviets,
all conscious workers and
peasants, all honest citizens who
are devoted to the people’s cause,
to redouble their efforts in the
great work of safeguarding the All that is needed is that, in these
independence and freedom of our dark days of calamity affecting the
country. whole people, all true sons of
Revolutionary Russia shall have no
Red Actions!
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thought, no desire, no commitment 15) Night Battles & Fog
but the salvation of our blood- 16) Artillery
drained homeland. 17) Buildings
18) Flight & Victory
Let there be no wavering, no
doubts! Work, order, perseverance, Specific Rules:
discipline, self-sacrifice—and we A) Trenches
shall triumph! B) Capturing & Moving Objects
C) Setting Fires
-Leon Trotsky. March 21, D) Aircraft
1918 E) Engineers and Grenadiers
F) Armoured Trains
G) Exhaustion
The evening gloom grew darker H)Surprise
and more ominous, I) Brigades, Objectives and
Depriving us of our guiding lights, Orders
The people laughed at us,
Laughing at our belief in God. Appendix:
And then, against the dark and Designers Notes
violence, Scenario Generation
Amongst the cowardice, lies, Scenarios
slander, Troop Cards
Spreading their mighty wings,
Flew the eagles into battle. White Reactions notes

-Pronim, Drovdovets from the PREFACE

7th Howitzers (White Army) None of our other games have
elicited as many questions over the
Table of Contents years as Red Actions. Who’d have
1) Introduction & Summary of thought that the game we began to
Play develop on a lark, for “internal
2) Definitions usage only” would become so
3) Sequence of play popular? Not us. But it now seems
4) Company Organization that half the traffic at our Yahoo
5) Company Characteristics group has concerned RA… and
6) Officers usually over the same bits we
7) Actions messed up on.
8) Movement and Formations We have therefore decided that the
rules of our little game needed an
9) Morale & Fear
overhaul. Now perhaps we’ll have
10) Shooting
some new RA questions to answer.
11) Charging
Please continue writing,
12) Hand to Hand Battles
Comrades! The Revolution must be
13) Routing, Pursuing and
Perpetual!
Rallying
14) Ambushes
Red Actions!
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NOTE for the .doc file version only:
Once sufficient feedback has been
gathered on this revision, a new
PDF booklet will be produced and
issued. Also, all the most recent
rewritten or new sections in the
rules are in red text, for old hands.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Probably the best spot on the
Internet for gaming the RCW is
Pygmy Wars. Whether you are a
beginner or a veteran, you can get
it all there, and very professionally
done, too. There are large and
important Red Actions! resources
available, including new troop
cards, rules variants, scenarios
and Tables of Organization &
Equipment for several armies. We
strongly urge you to check it out
at: http://pygmy-wars.50megs.com/
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank the legions
of gamers who sent in comments,
clarifications and ideas, many of
which went into the 2nd edition,
with special thanks to the guys at
HAWKs!, and particularly to Chuck
Scholti for his editing of the rules,
Mark Plant for his scholarly help,
and… for tireless faithful service
over the years- Commissar Steve
Turn.
White Re-
Actions!
Well I love the rules but hate the
card/unit activation sequence.
What we have done here at the
Danish Kreigspil Club is we tacked
on some command and control
rules that also changed the
dynamics of the game dramatically.
The ability to act during you
opponents turn draws all players
into each turn.
First the idea of CPs is pretty
common, it takes a CP to do
something, and if you act with one
of your companies during the
opponents turn you are acquiring
CP costs for your next turn, so
what in effect happens is you can
force an enemy to spend his points
prior to his turn in effect taking
the initiative. We also have things
like a unit can now move more
than once if the commander has
CPs for it so if you have those
daring Cossacks with a good
commander they can ride around
your flank faster than a White
officer can say Bolshevik.
We have also gone with a different
take on the Terror markers, I
realize this is counter to the
Captains preference but it works
for us.
Two things have been added
First CPs. Each “regimental
commander” gets from 2 to 5 CPs,
based on the roll of an average die
plus the commanders own
modifier.
The Turn sequence has changed so
now one side is the activate player
he acts with all his units then the
opponent acts with his. We have
also added to this the ability to act
with your units during your
opponents phase. However, this
comes at a cost, this cost is CPs
Red Actions!
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that you must then pay for during
your next turn. So you can be so
busy reacting to your opponent
that you cannot do anything during
your turn.
The ability to react is based on the
units reaction number (new to the
game). You can also repeat actions
(with the exception of firing)
during your phase by using CPs.
Your ability to react to the
opponents actions will also be
based on the units reaction
numbers.
Here is an example of play.
First phase. A Red regiment rolls
to see how many CPs it has, it rolls
a 4 on an average die, the
commanders modifier is a +1 so
the formation has 5 CPs. He sees
that two of his three units are
close enough to fire so he uses
1CP to fire both companies (they
are within his command span and
fireing at in the same direction at
the same targets. The White
commander decides to react to the
fire. He has two companies facing
the Reds, the reaction number on
both units is a 7 so the gamer rolls
a d10 for each unit one rolls a 5
the other an 8. So the first unit can
fire back at the reds. Both White
units Aquire 1CP. Now he rolls his
reaction d10 again, to see if it is
simultaneous or if he fires after
the Reds. He rolls an 8 which
means the Red fires first and
calculates any damage done, then
the White unit rolls for fire effect.
Now the Red commander decides
to move the third company, he has
3CPs he decides to use it moving
one full move and then will fire
fire. The White player decides to
try and react to this by returning
fire, only one of his units can
return fire so he rolls a d10
against the reaction number of 7
he rolls a 6, however since there is
+2 modifer for each CP the roll
becomes and 8 so he can not fire,
he also acquires the second CP.
Now it is the White phase, he rolls
and rolls a 3 with no modifer to his
roll he is in trouble. He has one
unit with no CP to pay for but his
other two units have one and two
respectively. He does have some
options, he could use all the CPs
on the unit that did not react last
enemy turn, he could use pay on
CP for the unit with 1 CP, which
removes it then he could fire with
that unit or move, or he could use
2 CPs to remove all CPs form the
unit with 2 and then fire. So the
Red side has really taken the
intiative from the White player and
he can only really react to the
Reds actions.
1) Introduction &
Summary of Play
Intentions:
The original intentions of the rules
writers have been to use this set to
broadly simulate small actions
(involving a few companies and
some modest support weapons)
which might have taken place
during the Russian Civil War and
associated regional conflicts in
Poland, the Baltic States, and
some former parts of the Austro-
Red Actions!
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Hungarian Empire, from around
1918- 1922. The rules, charts and
card values have been balanced
for these conflicts alone. Players
should keep this in mind if they
plan to use these rules for other
conflicts (such as WWI
engagements), or for larger
battles- for which they were not
designed. They should also note
that while we have been greatly
concerned with historicity, a good
amount of stress has been placed
on playability and enjoyment.
Scale:
The basic unit of the game is the
platoon, which is composed of
somewhere between 20-50 Red
Gangsters or White Interventionist
Dupes. We use the term company
to cover the next administrative
level, composed of several
platoons, somewhere between 150-
250 men. The overall commander
of a side is called a Colonel. Our
typical forces lists include troops
for all the sides we could count in
Russia including Reds, Whites,
Greens, Mensheviks (mostly near
the Black Sea), Ukrainians,
Independent Cossacks,
Interventionists, Poles, et al.
We couldn’t include all possibilities
(particularly support weapons for
all sides, although others have
endeavored to try), as we’d need
about 100 individual troop types to
do it right. As it is we have Sailors,
Chekists, Partisans, Cossacks, Red
Guards, Officer companies,
Uhlans…I’ll stop there. It should
be remembered, however, that the
lists are meant to be typical forces
for small engagements, and are
not proportional for larger armies.
They are also not true army lists,
as they do not reflect the actual
average amounts of assets
available to historical formations.
Few small battlefields of the time
saw tanks, bombers and trains
show up to fight- but we’re pretty
sure that most gamer’s boards will
be covered with them. Chacun à
son gout.
These rules were written primarily
for 15mm figures, but should work
for any. Each inch is around 25
yards, each turn a few minutes.
For Basing, we standardized
our single platoon stands on a
30mm x 15/20mm rectangle
with 2-3 foot figures or 2 horse
figures on it. Weapon stands
can be a variety of sizes suited
to the size of the model and
crew figures required.
Any similar system will work
fine.
Ranges of various weapons shown
represent the actual effective
range based on those handling
them. Thus Red Conscripts have
less range than an Officer’s
company, using the same weapon.
Summary of Play:
Player can make up a scenario or
use our scenario generator for a
game. After setting up the board
and choosing forces, these are
organized into companies with
officers and a Colonel is provided
for the whole force. Players then
set up their troops per the
scenario requirements, and play
begins.
Red Actions!
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At the beginning of each turn,
roll one die add or subtract
overall commanders mod, the
higher number has the
initiative and can decide which
side activates first.
Different troops are good at
different things. Each platoon has
peculiar characteristics shown on
its card. Storm troops can push
forward while others hold back.
Partisans gain advantages in rough
terrain. Specialists are self-
motivating. Some troops are afraid
of others and suffer adverse
morale modifiers when facing
them.
In addition each unit is
assigned a combat value from 5
to 9 this number is used to
reflect the units ability to react
to changing siturations on the
battlefield. This number is
rolled against to determine
various things the most
important is the ablity of the
unit to react in the enemys
turn. The number or less with
modifiers must be rolled with
one d10 to be successful.
Companies can accumulate Terror
markers from being shot at or in
melee. Once a company has
more Terror markers than
Platoons, they will recive a pin
counter. -- so keep an eye on your
smaller companies. Terror markers
can be removed by paying one CP
to remove one terror, any
remaining Terror markers can then
be Rallied (roll to Rally) for each
CP spent the unit may attempt to
rally, each succesfull rally removes
one and only one Terror marker
2) Definitions
CP command points. Each
commander must roll an
average die at the start of his
side’s activation. That number
with the commander’s number
as a modifier is the number of
CPs the unit has. This is done
for the “battalion” commander
which is commanding a
number of companies.
(Company commanders do not
get CPs)
Action: an activity taken (by the
choice of the owning player) by a
company.
Action Segment: An action
segment is not the same as an
Action Phase. The active side
will start moving all its units
starting with the closest
formation to the enemy.
Reactions: An enemy unit can
react to the enemy in the
enemys turn, this is done by
first seeing if the unit is able to
by rolling its intitavie number
d10 (This is modified by Terror
markers) or less, then it can
react see below. This reaction
will cost the unit 1 CP per
action if it succeeds or not.
Which must be paid for in that
units next turn, before the unit
can do anything else. I.e. so if
a unit fired twice in the enemys
turn then it will have cost that
unit 2 CPs. When the unit gets
its next activation it must first
Red Actions!
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pay 2 CPs before it can do
anything.
Reaction Number. A number
assigned to companies to
represent its training and
experience, the higher the
number the more able the unit
is, this will also affect its ability
to react to the enemy. Units
that have bad commanders and
little experience will have a low
Reaction Number units with
good commanders and lots of
experience will have high
numbers. Low 5 High 9
Consequence: the result of
morale test.
Turn: Each side has
activation phase.
Platoon: The basic unit in the
system, representing a specific
type of soldier in a group, depicted
as a single stand of figures.
Several platoons make up a
company. Weapons (like MG’s and
Guns) and vehicles are considered
platoons, but are never grouped
into companies. MGs can be
attached to a company, it then
suffers the same effects that the
company recives This would be
Routs, Retires and Pinned. In
addition for each terror the parent
formation recives shift the fire of
the MG 1 column.
An MG that is not attached to an
infantry unit is considered a
separate unit and can be fired at
separately if it is beyond 2” of
friendly infantry units. If the MG
units is within 2” than it can only
be targeted if the unit spends one
extra CP(this represents the
commander personally directing
the fire against the MG)
Officer: Either a Captain (who can
command a company) or a Colonel
(who commands all the companies
of a side). Their abilities affect the
company they command, and in
the case of the Colonel, the army
in general. If using the optional
command rules, one Captain in a
brigade is nominated as the Major
(see below). Their abilities affect
the company they command and
the army in general. Some Red
a officers are Commissars; with
special rules relating to them (they
are identified by the gold star with
its a “C” in it, at the upper right
corner of some Bolshie officer
counters). The number modifer
on the commanders counter
will be used as the units
modifer, this will affect all
roles for morale, and reaction
rolls etc.
Company Characteristics: Some
types of companies have
characteristics giving them special
abilities.
Leader Characteristics: Officers
can have a morale bonus, and
company characteristic. These are
shown on their counters.
3) Sequence of Play
1) Determine Advantage: Both
players roll 1d6, adding
overall commanders modifer,
indicated on his counter
2) Order and Objective change (if
Command rules are used- see
Appendix I). Colonels may
attempt to change objectives,
Red Actions!
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and Majors may attempt to
change orders.
3) Action Phase: First one side
acts with as many or few of
its units as it wants then the
other side acts.
4) Company Organization
Comrade, what makes up a
company?
Proletarian, I will illuminate you.
Companies are composed of
platoons and an officer (although
we are all equals!). The maximum
number of Platoons in a company
is SIX. Further, all of these
Platoons must be the exact same
type (i.e. All Polish Uhlans, or all
Freikorps infantry). Each
individual Tank, Armoured Car,
Tchanka, Artillery Piece and
Machine Gun is considered an
individual company for actions
(Unless MG attached to a specific
comanpy) and may not combine
with others stands like platoons at
any time. Vehicles and crews do
NOT receive Captains, however.
Tell me Commissar, can
Companies ever be
divided during play?
Yes Comrade. Companies can
divide themselves in two as an
action in an action segment. Any
Officer attached chooses which
company to stay with, and the new
company is considered totally
independent of the other. If the
company has any terror markers
on them, they must Recover from
Terror first, and may be considered
separate units at the end of that
action. Any Humiliation counters
will be applied to both new units
after they split- so a company with
one Humiliation counter becomes
two companies each with one
humiliation counter on them.
(Beware -- the smaller the
company the easier they with
rout [Ed])
On the turn they divide, neither
company may perform any other
action (other than Recovering). A
new officer is randomly chosen to
lead the new unit.
Can Companies ever be
combined during play
(and possibly form a
local Soviet)?
Yes. They must be in contact at the
start of an action segment. They
are considered one company. If
more than one officer is attached,
one of them is chosen to lead the
company. Any others are
discarded.
On the turn they combine, neither
company may perform any other
action than to Recover. If either
company has Humiliation counters
on them, these will be assumed by
the new company, to the higher
amount of either original company
(Ex. One company has one
Humiliation counter, the other has
two; the new company will have
two counters, and not three) Note
that all of the company’s Platoons
must be of the exact same type.
Remember, there is still a
maximum of six platoons.
Red Actions!
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5) Company
Characteristics
What is the effect of the various
characteristics listed on the
Platoon Cards? Are they
beneficial to the Revolution?
Partisan: Company receives cover
benefits, has no movement penalty
in Rough terrain, and can detect
ambushes better.
Storm: Can forgo Retire results by
losing a stand instead. No Fear
check is required in
circumstance.
Specialist: Can forgo Retire
results by adding a Terror marker.
Further, they are Self-Motivated.
They will always perform actions
even if their Captain has a Mob
characteristic.
Mob: Has difficulty with complex
orders. In fact, it has difficulty with
any orders, except shooting and
charging. Moujiks! The unit must
pass a reaction roll to move
towards the enemy..
Skirmisher: Receives modifiers
when fired at.
The following characteristics do
not appear on the cards, but can
be allocated to units by special
rules (or because of Officer
characteristics):
Engineer: Can cut wire. Also has
an advantage when attacking
blockhouses.
Grenadier: Has a hand-to-hand
combat bonus and can fight
armoured vehicles.
See Engineers and Grenadiers
rules on how to acquire these
characteristics.
Units reaction number.
This will vary depending on
training, expericne etc, see
experience table. This is the
number that must be rolled
1d10 or less to be able to react
to enemy actions, also to see if
it fires before, after, or
simultaneously to the enemy.
this
6) Officers
What are the types of Officers,
and their functions? Aside from
attending the Tsar’s dinner
functions and taking bribes?
Captains are attached to a
company directly (placed behind it
on the tabletop), and can never
leave it, unless killed in action or
shot by Commissars. Colonels do
not possess a company of their
own. They may, by moving onto a
friendly company, act as a Captain
while still attached to it. Any
original Captain remains with the
company, and takes over again if
the Colonel leaves. No Colonel can
take over a company lead by a
Commissar unless he himself is a
Commissar (Commissars Officers
are those Red Officers with little
gold stars on them). Also, a
Colonel cannot take over a
company from a Captain leading
troops of a different nationality
(example- in a White Army, the
Red Actions!
10
Colonel may not take over a
company of Czechs or
Estonians, unless the scenario
states that he is himself of that
nationality). Each platoon card
has the troops’ nationality listed on
it. Colonels also affect the
performance of the entire force
under their command with their
morale bonus, whether they are
directly in contact with these units
or not, except for troops of a
different nationality.
How are Officers chosen
randomly at the
beginning of a scenario?
By birth?
Scenarios can specify a particular
Colonel is present. Otherwise
when choosing a Colonel, two
Officers are drawn and one is
chosen, the other is put back. For
each company, a Captain is drawn
which is placed behind the
company. Although artillery, MGs
and vehicles perform actions as
companies in themselves, they are
considered support groups and do
not get a Captain of their own. No
Captain may ever be switched with
other companies. See the Nation
Force Tables in the Organizational
sheets for special rules. Since a
Major (used with optional
Command rules) is actually a
Captain of an existing company in
a brigade, they are not chosen
separately.
Note: Red players must not include
Commissars in the mix when
choosing officers at start. These
appear and start “unpromoting”
officers when required. However,
any Cheka companies at start
choose randomly from amongst
these delightful fellows alone.
What is the Effect of Officers,
and what are the
characteristics that appear
on their counters?
Many Officers can have a
characteristic on his counter
that affects the company he is
with. Captains can add a
morale bonus, a company
characteristic, and can be
Clever. Colonels can possess
any of these, and his morale
bonus applies to all troops on
his side.
How does an officer’s morale
bonus work? By the
ostentatious display of
medals?
Officers may have a positive or
negative morale bonus, which is
added to all of a company’s morale
numbers, either increasing them
or decreasing them. Colonels add
their morale bonus to all
companies on his side, regardless
of whether he is currently attached
to them or not. Note that morale
bonuses are cumulative. In the
case of a Colonel and a Captain
(who is attached to his own
company) both having a morale
bonus, both are added and applied,
the Colonel must be within 12” and
line of sight for this to apply.
Example: A company has a
Captain with a +1 bonus. Their
Colonel, also a +1, will add his
bonus to any morale number this
unit might need to roll against, for
a net +2 modifier. However, if the
Colonel had been some traitorous
Red Actions!
11
lay-about with a -1 modifier, the
net bonus would have been 0 (-1
added to +1= 0).
Commanders have a command
range of 12” their bonus only
applies to units within this
distance, however Command
Points CPs can be issued at over
12”, however, this cost double the
normal CP cost.
This number will also affect the
number of CPs the unit recives.
That is their bonus is added to
the Average die roll to
determine CPs.
What is the effect of an Officer
being Clever? Aside from
Promotion?
A Clever Officer can do one of the
following during each turn:
1) After the enemy has chosen a
company to act, but before it
does, he may attempt to
temporarily preempt it and act
with his own company. Roll 2d6.
On a 10-12, his company may
act immediately. After this, the
preempted company acts, and
play returns to normal. Note
that a Clever enemy may not
preempt a company with a
Clever officer from acting.
2) A Clever officer leading
Partisans in woods doubles the
range in which they can detect
troops in Ambush.
3) This per-empting will be based
on reaction roll, which means
that any action must be rolled
for and the result must be
under the reaction number of
the unit, it does not get the -2
for consecutive actions. The
officer must roll for CPs as if it
was his turn.
4) If the roll to activate is failed
then he losses his next turn!
Can an Officer be shot for
failing to do his duty?
The Red ranks stink with political
officers. Any Captain
leading a Red Mob that
refuses to perform an
action may be shot and
replaced by Commissar if it
fails its activation roll to
move towards the enemy,
roll 1d6 again. On a “6”, the
officer is shot. Place a
Terror marker on the
company, and replace the
Captain with an available
Commissar. No Fear morale
check is required. (NB -- No
roll is required if a Cheka
unit is within a move
distance to the Mob’s flank
or rear.)
What is the effect of an Officer
being a Commissar
(Hoolingan, you mean!)?
A lying Red Commissar will not
relinquish his company to any
other Officer except another
Commissar. Further, a company
led by one of these devils which
fails a morale test to charge gains
a terror marker (from “examples”
being made…). Commissars who
lead mobs do not shoot themselves
if their company fails to move- the
unit gets a terror marker instead.
If the commissar is killed in action,
the unit will automatically rout
(with some relief, I think…)
Red Actions!
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Can Officers become 7) Actions
casualties? Even St. George’s What are the different actions a
Cross winners? company may perform
Yes. Whenever an Officer’s (presumably while singing “The
company receives a * combat Internationale”)?
result against it, or is involved in a A company may perform one of the
HTH battle, roll 2d6. On a 10 or following actions during its action
higher, the Officer is killed. Add segment of the turn:
three to the roll if the Officer’s If the unit reacted in the
company routs due to a lost HTH enemys previous phase and
battle. When an Officer is killed, expended CPs the CP cost must
place a Terror marker on his be paid prior to any of the
company. The company must following actions.
immediately take a Fear morale
check. After this the company then 1) Move, cost 1CP
randomly chooses a new officer 2) Shoot, cost 1CP
from the mix available. 3) Move then Shoot (at half
firepower) cost 1CP
How are Officers shown on the 4) Charge into Hand-to-Hand
tabletop, and can they Combat cost 1CP
move independently? 5) Recover from Terror cost
Holy Russia’s Officers are depicted 1CP
with their counter on the tabletop, 6) Attempt to Rally from Rout
behind their company. You may, if cost 1CP
you so choose, place a figure for 7) Perform Special Action
any Captain with a company, and (Take possession,
place the counter behind the Divide/Recombine
figure. Captains cannot leave their companies, Mount/Dismount
company (unless their supply of from horses,
Napoleon Brandy runs out), so Embark/Disembark from
they have no independent boats, etc.) cost 1 CP
movement.
Colonels however, can be Each action cost a CP. Units
represented by a figure (or just a may repeat actions but it costs
counter), and move independently. more CPs, the only action it
They move 10” per turn. Treat cannot repeat is a fire action. It
terrain as for foot or horse (He’s may only perform one in its
only a few guys!)- whichever is own phase. The exception is in
most advantageous. Note that the enemys turn when the unit
Colonels move during any action can fire as often as it succeeds
segment in which a friendly its activation roll.
company is acting. They do not
require their own action segment.
Red Actions!
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8) Defensive Fire (against
Charging opponents only)
1CP each
9) Firefight (shooting when
shot at) 1CP each check to
see if fire simultaneously or
after the enemy has fired.
10) Ambush (see Section 14)
11) Retire
12) Rout
13) Pursue
Command Point COSTS
1 Activation 1 CP In response to the enemy the
Unit repeat same action +1 unit must roll its reaction
CP number or less on d10.
Response rating 5-6 +1 A unit gets a -1 mod for each
Second+ actions CP terror marker on the unit when
Response rating 7-8, Third +1 trying to respond to the enemy.
+ actions CP
Response rating 9 Fourth + +1
actions CP
Rally unit +1
CP
Remove 1 Terror marker
st
+1
CP Response to enemy fire COST 1
Remove 2nd + Terror +1 CP PER
Markers (rally test) CP Return Fire
Not in Command Distance 2x CP Unit rolls its Response number or
12” less then roll again,
Per Response to Enemy 1 CP Unit rolls its response number or
Action lower to fire Simultaneoulsly
-2 mod for second + Roll over response number enemy
Defensive fire against 1 CP fires resolved first
chargers Withdraw
Roll response number if lower unit
During your opponent’s action, his falls back ½ move and fire is
activity may cause your unit to reduced two columns on the fire
react and perform the following (if table.
applicable). Any reaction to the If result over response number
enmy must be declared and unit many not move or return fire.
then a successful reaction roll Withdraw only possible if unit is in
must be made, this costs 1CP cover when fired at.
whether the unit succeeds or Response to enemy Move Cost 1
fails. CP PER
Opportunity fire, roll response
Red Actions!
14
number or less. Enemy must move
at least ¼ Move in LOS.
Close range only!
Respond by Moving within 12” and
on flank of the unit. Roll response
number -2 mod. Unit may move
upto ½ Move
Example. a Red Conscript
company is facing two
companies of Whites, the white
units fire one at a time, the Red
Conscript wants to fire back so
it must roll its reaction
number, which it succeeds for
the first attack, this costs 1CP.
The unit then rolls to see if it
fires simultaneously or after
the white, this is done by
rolling its reaction number
again. It rolls under its
reaction number so it fires
simultaneously to the white.
The next white unit then fires,
the Reds want to react so roll
against their reaction number
with a +2 (second time in a
turn) it fails and cannot return
fire, however it still costs 1CP.
So now it is the reds turn, the
conscript unit wants to move
away, but it has 2CPs, the
Battalion commander only has
3 CPs one of which it uses on
another unit to fire and so the
red player must use 2CPs to
pay for the units previous fire
leaving them with out CPs so it
cannot do anything this turn.
Note that if the White unit
wanted to have all units fire at
the same time then the Red
unit could only respond with
one unit.
The commander may use
CPs to act as die roll
modifiers. Each CP will
count as a +-1 to the die
roll,
All units (or any number of
companies) of a Battalion may use
the same CP for the same action if
the unit
1 Moves in the same direction with
the same facing and the same
amount of movment.
2 Fires at the same target
Other activations must be paid for
on a unit by unit basis, also Rally,
or Removing Terror markers must
be paid for by company.
The following may occur during a
turn but are not considered
actions:
1) Morale Tests and their
consequences (except for
Retire, or Rout)
2) Test to rally from Pin
3) Clever Captain test
Who can perform what actions,
and when?
In our egalitarian society,
everyone! First one side moves its
units paying CPs for each action,
the non acting player may react to
actions by the acting side, this is
done by rolling the units reaction
number and then paying CPs for
this.
Will a company always perform
the actions without hesitation?
Sadly not, comrade. A company
with a Mob characteristic can only
perform certain orders without
Red Actions!
15
hesitation. These are to charge
and to shoot. They will also move
away from the enemy if asked to.
Any other actions require a Check
against its reaction number. (NB –
If a Red Mob, no roll is required if
a Cheka unit is within a move
distance to Mob’s flank or rear.) If
the unit fails its Reaction roll the
company will remain in place and
perform no action other than
shooting. This may have
consequences for the Captain. See
the Officers rules.
Also units reacting to the
enemys actions must succeed
in its reaction roll in order to
be able to fire or in some
instances move.
At what time are routs, HTH
combats and similar actions
executed? Is there a special
phase?
No. They are performed in
sequence as regular actions
Can a company ever react to
the action of an enemy
company? Provocation!
Yes. A company may react to an
enemy company under the
following circumstances:
1) If being charged, and have not
routed, a company may shoot at
the chargers, This is called
Defensive Fire. No reaction
rolls need to be rolled but it
still costs 1 CP
2)
A unit fired on by an enemy unit
may fire back in the enemys
turn, this is done be rolling a
reaction roll and paying a CP
for it, the unit can do this as
often as it wants (the reaction
roll is modified by +2 for each
prior CP the unit has. So the
more it shoots the harder it
becomes and each “fire” costs
1CP
3) If a morale test brought on by
enemy action causes the testing
company to face Consequences,
they will execute them
immediately.
4) Reaction to enemy movement
An enemy unit that moves on
the friendly units flank and
within 12” the unit may attempt
to move by rolling its reaction
number with a -2 mod
5) Fall back due to fire. Only if the
unit was in cover
What happens to all those CPs
payed to react to the enemy?
When you have the turn and
your units have CPs cost due to
reacting to the enemy. If you
want to move those units you
must first remove those CPs.
How ever you may chose to
activate other units that have
less or no CPs. Those extra CPs
that you do not pay for and the
unit does nothing, then the CPs
are removed at the end of your
turn.
Example A Battlion with three
companies has been engaging
fire on the enemy in the enemys
turn. One company has 2CPs
one has 1 CP and the third has
Red Actions!
16
none. The commander rolls his
average die and adds his +1 to
the roll. He has 3 CPs. He now
has numerous options he may
pay to remove all the CPs, or he
can remove the 1CPs from the
second unit and then use the 1
CP to move the unit then 1CP
to fire. He could also just apply
all 3 CPs to the unit that has no
CP costs at the beginning of his
move. So the player has lots of
options.
8) Movement and
Formations
What are the different types of
formations?
Companies can either be in line
(stands in contact with each other
on their flanks in a line) or a road
column (in contact front to back in
ranks, with a one stand frontage).
Companies can form multi-rank
lines if they want, but there is no
advantage to this (and
disadvantage to shooting).
Be carefull because units that
are within 4” of a unit to its
front that is fired at will also
take casualties due to pass
through fire, the second unit
will have a -1 column modifier..
What are Loose and Formed
order (not to be confused with
“orders” or commands)?
Formed order represents cavalry
troops lined in an organized, easy
to control manner. While this slows
them down, they fight better.
Loose order troops are spread out
more, move faster, but are less in
control and do not fight as well.
Further, troops in loose order
suffer a -1 morale penalty while
in loose order (troops without a
Formed move rate represent those
used to fighting in a less organized
way so suffer no morale penalty.)
There is no need to arrange the
stands of a unit differently to show
whether they are formed or loose.
How far can companies move
during a turn? My batsman
gets around quite easily.
The maximum move distance per
turn paid CP for every Platoon type
is shown on its card. A company
may move up to the amount when
acting, modified by terrain. The
move distances can differ for
Cavalry companies that are in
formed or loose order. Infantry
units have a regular move rate
(under “Move” on their card), but
can also move in an Evasive way
(under “Evasive”) where they try
to use terrain to shelter behind as
they move, or crawl or crouch or
a
otherwise keep a low profile,
moving at a reduced rate, but
reducing the strength of shooting
against them.
A unit can move more than
once in its phase, this is done
by paying CPs for each move. If
all units in the command are
moving in the same direction
and are all in command and
control distance of the officer
the movment will only cost 1CP,
the same applies to fire, ie if all
the units fire at the same
direction at targets to their
front this will only cost one CP
How do companies turn, face to
flank and rear?
Red Actions!
17
Turns are made by wheeling each
stand on the corner figure to face
either to the left or right, or 180º
back. All Infantry and cavalry in
loose order may turn to flank and
rear at no cost, Cavalry in Formed
order pay half their move. All
companies may “drift” up to
roughly 20 degrees while moving.
Companies in line can also wheel,
with one end of the line stationary
and the other end moving in an
arc, up to the units movement
allowance. Wheels and turns can
be combined in a turn, providing
the unit has enough movement
allowance to do this. These turns
are considered part of the CP cost
to move, so no extra cost for thise
turns.
Is there a movement advantage
to moving in column?
Yes. If the company is in a single
platoon-frontage column, and
spends its whole move on a road, it
may move 2” further than its full
move.
Can one company
interpenetrate (move through)
another? And spread
nationalist propaganda?
Yes, they can, at no cost.
Companies may not interpenetrate
another company if it violates any
other movement rules (proximity
to enemy, etc). However if routed
through the unit will take a fear
test.
How does artillery move?
See the Artillery rules below.
How does terrain affect various
Platoon types?
See the Quick Reference Sheet,
comrade.
How close can a company move
to an enemy company
without charging it?
No company may move closer than
2” without charging the enemy
company, unless they are charging
an adjacent company within 2”.
When a company is called on to
Retire, either through Shooting
results or morale tests, how is
this executed? With parade-
ground precision one hopes!
The company in question moves
back full normal move if Foot,
full normal move if horse or
non-mechanized vehicle, still
facing the enemy. If forced
through a friendly company,
both become loose ordered (if
horse). If forced into an enemy
company or impassable terrain,
they surrender and become
prisoners.
Troops (except mobs) in hard
cover, buildings or trenches
ignore Retire results.
Can mounted companies
dismount? Personally, I
feel walking is for serfs…
Yes. A company that chooses to
dismount as an action replaces all
figures with dismounted
equivalents, one platoon for one.
Place a herd (the horses) behind
the company that has dismounted.
Treat the horses as a regular herd
until the company should choose to
remount (they must be in contact).
Red Actions!
18
9) Morale
What can cause a company to
take a morale test? White
Oppression?
A company must test morale of the
type shown for the following
causes:
1) Charging an enemy (Charge)
2) Being charged (Fear)
3) They are Ambushed (Fear)
4) Lost a Platoon for whatever
cause (Serious)
5) Suffered a Serious or a *
result (Serious)
6) Attempting to rally from
Rout (Rally)
7) Attempting to remove a
Pinned marker before
moving (Rally)
8) Losing their Officer as a
casualty (Fear)
9) They are gassed (Fear)
10) Interpenetrated by
Routing friendly unit (Fear)
11) Suffered a Destructive
Fire (**) result (Fear)
12) Remove Terror markers
(Rally)
Each Terror marker will count
as a -1 to the following tests.
1 Charging and enemy
2 Being charged
3 They are ambushed
4 Lost a platoon
5 Suffer serious result
6 from shooting stragglers?
7 Attempt to remove pin
marker
8 Losing their officer
9 They are gassed
10 Interpenetrated by routing
friends
11 Suffered Destructive Fire.
How does one take a Morale
test?
On each Platoon card are the
Success numbers for each type of
test. Roll 2d6. If the number is
equal to or lower than the
Success number, then the test has
been successfully passed. Failure
to pass brings on Consequences
(see below). NOTE: All morale
rolls fail on an unmodified 12 die
roll. Morale checks are modified by
the following:
Check which ones get penalties
for terror markers etc.
1) Their officer’s morale bonus
2) Behind works: Any troops
behind Earthworks, in a
Blockhouse or in a Trench
receive a +2 to their base
morale numbers
3) Testers with enemy in
flank/rear: Troops with an
enemy within 12” to their
flank or rear receive a -2 to
their base morale numbers
4) Terror markers see above -1
per
5) The commander can use CPs
to as a +- modifier to all
tests.
What are the consequences for
failing a morale test? Aside
This depends on the type of morale
test as shown below:
Failed Charge test: Company
may not charge enemy this
turn
Failed Fear test: Rout
immediately. Place a humiliated
marker on the company.
Red Actions!
19
Failed Serious test:
Immediately Retire
Failed Rally from Rout test:
Continue Routing. Note: that any
company that fails a morale test by
more than two or rolls a natural
“12” is considered dispersed and
removed from play. If closer to an
enemy company than a friendly
one they surrender and become
prisoners.
Failed Rally from Pin test:
Remain Pinned
Failed Rally Terror Marker, no
effect but still costs 1 CP
If I receive two or more morale
tests at the same time, which
one do my men take?
All of them, you unfortunate
animal! Multiple tests can occur
from a number of actions,
reactions and consequences. All
are taken as they occur during an
action segment, but it is the worst
consequence that is performed by
the unit.
Example: Say your cowards are
getting shot at by a company who
is firing on the 25-35 column of the
Shooting table, and the devils roll
a 12- Lose Platoon**. First you’ll
lose a platoon and take a Serious
check. Let’s you fail this; normally
you’d retire- but you have other
results to check before you do
that. That’s because you’ve also
received a Destructive Fire result
(**), which means an immediate
Fear test as well, followed by an
Officer casualty check. If you fail
the Fear check, its result, being
worse than the failed Serious
check (certainly a rout is worse
than a mere retirement), you’d
forgo the retiring for the rout, and
a Humiliation marker. However,
you’d still need to check for the
officer casualty. If he also croaked,
that would mean another Fear
test- but in this case, you think
you’d needn’t bother- what’s
worse than a rout? Ah, don’t
forget- if you fail another Fear
test, that’s also another
Humiliation counter! With this sort
of luck, Comrade, you’d be better
off as a deserter- even the Cheka
can’t catch all of them!
How does a company
accumulate Terror markers,
and what is their effect?
Terror markers (T) are placed on a
company due to Shooting and HTH
battle results, and when
ambushed.
Also, each Terror marker on a
company reduces its number of
platoons counted for HTH and
Shooting total by one. Thus a four
platoon company with a Terror
marker on it counts only three
platoons. If the number of Terror
markers equals the number of
platoons, a company may not fire
or charge, and counts only one
point per platoon in HTH. MGs and
artillery crews must receive two
terror markers to rout. Further, for
each Terror marker on it, subtract
one from a company’s morale test
numbers.
A company with more Terror
markers than there are stands
will recive a pin marker.
How does one get rid of Terror
markers, Comrade?
A company may choose as its
action to spend CPs to recover
Red Actions!
20
You can use one CP to remove
one Terror counter. After that
each terror marker must be
rolled for at the cost of 1CP per
roll. MG stands will rout when
they recive 2 terror markers
but only if they are more than
2” away from formed troops
other wise they act as the unit
they are attached to.
What is the effect of a Pinned
marker, Comrade, and how
does one get rid of it?
A Pinned marker (P) remains on a
company until it attempts to move
toward the enemy. At this point it
must take a Rally test. This is not
considered an action. If it passes,
the pinned marker is removed, and
the company may move and act
normally. Otherwise it remains on
the company, and it may only
retire, remain in its current
position or fire as an action. A
company may never have more
than one Pinned marker on it.
While Pinned, a company is
considered to be Evading (see
QRS).
The commander may use CPs
to act as die roll modifiers.
Each CP will count as a +-1 to
the die roll.
What about those Pesky
Humiliated markers?
They function just like Terror
markers, except that a company
cannot recover from them; your
shame will follow you wherever
you go! You receive them in a
number of ways, most notably
when failing a Fear test, and as a
result from a Hand-to-Hand
combat. See also the Night and
Fog, Surprise, and Exhaustion
sections.
Note: As units receive Humiliation
markers EACH time they fail a
fear test, they will accumulate and
eventually overwhelm them. Be
warned!
What happens when I get more
than one retire result in a turn?
Any subsequent Retire results a
unit receives after the first one
become Pinned results. The unit
does not move again this turn. If
there are any subsequent
retirements that turn, either from
fire or as a consequence, each
becomes a terror marker instead.
Why do Machine Gun and
Mortar detachments have no
Rally number?
Machine guns and Mortar
Detachments that Rout are
considered lost.
10) Shooting
Who can shoot? Aside from
firing squads?
Any company that has a Shooting
value and line-of-sight (LOS) to an
enemy company can shoot. Only
the first two ranks of stands in a
deep formation may fire. (The third
rank of a column and beyond may
not fire.)
OK, Comrade- can troops Move
and then Shoot?
Of course, little Prole; however, if
you move first and then shoot, you
fire at half strength. I’ve seen half
your men trip over their own
shoelaces when trying this sort of
Red Actions!
21
thing. This counts for everyone,
even Armoured Cars and
Tchankas. Troops which have
moved and not fired, but which
must react with a firefight, in the
same way fire at half strength.
What is the range of weapons?
What are Short and Long
ranges?
Every Platoon has a card with the
range of its weapons shown. The
printed Shooting value is that for
any fire the unit makes at a target
at half the printed range or less,
i/e. at Short Range. If the target is
more than half the range number
shown, it is considered to be at
Long Range, and the Shooting
total of the firing company is
halved. Note that in fog or at
night, no long range shooting is
allowed, and all short range
shooting totals are halved. (NB –
Although the Artillery cards can
show a range limit- such as 80”,
because of the small scale of
action, guns have no range
restrictions, so no short or long
range). Some cards, such as
howitzers and mortars have a
minimum rage that they cannot
shoot at targets within.
What about fire arcs? (sigh..)
Companies roughly fire forward.
Guns also. If you must have a
specific fire arc, let’s say 45
degrees to either side of every
Platoon to be counted. Tchankas
have a 180-degree arc covering
the rear of the vehicle. Use your
discretion and judgment, and for
pity’s sake, don’t fight over it,
Comrades! Remember, Chekists
dislike argumentative types…
gulp…
Units behind others.
Units that are 4” or less behind
units that are fired upon will also
be hit, with a -1 Column mod.
Can troops fire at a location
where they believe the enemy
to be, but having not seen
them?
Yes, at half fire value. This is called
Area Fire. The target need not
reveal the effect unless troops are
forced into the open (Routing,
Retiring). Direct Hits by guns are
possible only on buildings in this
case (see Artillery rules). Troops
may merely fire at a building, or an
area roughly the same dimensions
as their own company’s stands.
Shooting at MG elements.
Elements of MGs my be fired at
separately when they are more
then 2” away from other troops.
If the MG is closer then they
may be targeted if the firing
unit pays one CP for this the
unit must have a commander
with a positive modifier on his
counter.
If the firer has no CPs to target
a MG attached to infantry then
the MG suffers one column
shift per terror marker.
How is shooting executed?
(How are the executed
shot……?)
Determine the Shooting total of
the company. To do this multiply
the base Shooting number times
the number of platoons in the
company. Then apply all modifiers.
Red Actions!
22
Artillery and MGs and have a
shooting value (which cannot be
combined, ever); Artillery as well
having the possibility of a Direct
Hit (see Artillery rules and QRS).
See the Quick Reference Sheet
for the Shooting Table. Results:
Retire = Target company
immediately makes a Retire move
(unless in a Firefight, then it
retires after all Shooting results):
Foot 3” Full normal move, Horse
and non-mechanized vehicles 6”
Full Normal move. It may not act
again this turn. Troops in Hard
Cover (except Mobs), Buildings or
Trenches ignore.
Terror = Target company has one
Terror marker (T) placed on it.
2xTerror = Target company has
two Terror markers placed on it,
and a Pinned marker.
Lose Platoon = Target company
loses one Platoon and takes a
Serious morale test. Then place a
Pinned marker on it.
* = Target company checks for
Officer Casualty.
**=Destructive Fire. Target
Company takes a Fear morale test,
and Check for Officer Casualty.
How do Artillery and Tank guns
fire?
See the Artillery rules.
What about visibility?
Discretion should be used, but it is
safe to say that any troops inside
deep woods but just at the rim are
visible. Within deep woods
visibility is only 2”. In Light woods,
troops can see about 6”. Only
visible troops can be shot at
without incurring the Area Fire
modifier. Wheat fields, marshes
and similar terrain are treated at
light woods for visibility. Corn and
Cane may be higher than the
heads of soldiers, so treat them as
deep woods.
11) Charging
Who can charge whom?
1) Horse can charge any troops
except Tanks and Armoured
Cars.
2) Foot can charge any except
horse. Tanks and Armoured
Cars.
3) Tanks and Armoured Cars can
charge any except other Tanks
and Armoured Cars.
4) Tchankas, Machine Guns,
Mortars and Artillery cannot
charge any.
When can a company charge an
enemy company?
A company can do this during its
action segment if it can meet the
following criteria:
1) It is not itself routing.
2) The target company is within its
move distance, and in plain
sight (not blocked by other
regiments or terrain) and in
front of the unit within its
“drift” (20 degrees).
3) The target company is not
behind a high wall or parapet,
or across terrain impassable to
the charging company.
How does it execute a charge?
Cossack style?
First, the attacker must take a
Charge test (Charge). One CP
must be payed for this action. If
Red Actions!
23
it fails, the charge fails and the
unit does not move (this is still
considered its action however). If
successful, the receiving company
then must take a Receive Charge
test (Fear). If it fails, the defending
unit immediately Routs and no
HTH battle ensues (no pursuit
either). If successful, the defender
holds, and the attacker is put in
contact with them and HtH combat
ensues. Move the company into
contact with the enemy company
(so that they are as evenly
distributed against each other as
possible). All stands do not have to
be in contact to count. If both the
target and the charging company
are Horse, the charged company
may meet the chargers half way
(unless they were charged in flank
or rear).
Can the company being
charged shoot at the charging
company?
Yes, unless is has already fired this
turn. This is called Defensive Fire.
If it causes the attacker to retire or
Rout, the charge does not
continue, and no HTH battle
ensues. Costs 1 CP for defender
Flank charges seem a little easy
(with moves non-simultaneous).
Are there any restrictions?
Yes. A company must be totally
behind (or reasonably so) the line
stretching across the front of the
target company (at the start of its
action segment) to be able to
charge its flank. Otherwise it must
charge its front. The same is true
for charging the rear. It must be
facing the rear of the target at the
start of its action segment to do so.
If a company is charged at an
angle (less than 90 degrees, simply
turn some of the platoons to face
the attackers.
12) Hand-to-Hand Battles
Who can fight in HTH battles?
What part of a company
is included?
Companies which have charged or
been charged and passed their
morale tests. All of a company’s
platoons are counted in the battle,
whether or not they are in direct
contact with the enemy company.
What happens when a company
contacts an enemy company in
the flank?
If a company is charged in the
flank its HTH total is quartered. All
platoons are turned to face their
foe unless already engaged in
HTH. Place a Terror marker on it
immediately.
What happens if a company
contacts an enemy company in
the rear?
A company charged in the rear
surrenders and becomes prisoners.
How (and when) are hand-to-
hand battles resolved?
HTH battles are resolved
immediately after a charge takes
place. Determine the HTH total of
the companies involved on each
side. To do this multiply the base
fighting number times the number
of platoons in the company.
Determine the ratio of the two
attacking forces then refer to the
Hand-to-Hand Combat Table on
the QRS. (NB – there is no
“attacker” and “defender;” rather
determine who is the Stronger or
Red Actions!
24
Weaker. The attacker still rolls the
die.)
Results:
S= Stronger, W=Weaker
S or W/Retires = designated Side
retires and places two Terror
markers on company.
S or W/Humiliated = The
designated side places a
Humiliated marker (H) on
company. Treat as a Terror marker
that cannot be rallied. Otherwise
treat as S or W/Retires.
S or W Defeated = designated
Side loses two Platoons and
survivors rout!
*= Target company also takes a
Serious Test, then checks for
Officer casualty.
What happens if both sides
have equal strength? Who then
counts as stronger?
If both are equal, the side who’s
action initiated the charge that
started it all.
What happens if a company is
charged by another company,
after it has already been
involved in a HtH combat in the
same turn?
The Company previously engaged
cannot count as formed, and only
count half its available platoons in
its total.
13) Routing, Pursuing &
Rallying
What makes a company Rout?
There are three causes:
1) A morale test Consequence that
requires the company to rout
2) They are defeated in HTH
combat
When do they Rout?
A rout is a Reaction. It occurs
immediately after the
Consequence is determined, and
before any other actions are taken.
On subsequent turns, the owning
player may use an action to
attempt to rally a routing unit; if it
fails, the unit continues its rout for
that action. If no attempt is made,
then the unit continues its rout
after all actions have been
completed.
How do they rout and what
affect do they have on friendly
companies?
As best as possible, they must
move Units move double their
normal move straight back away
from the enemy company that
caused them to rout, facing away
from the enemy. If there is an
enemy company in their path they
will surrender (and replace all
platoons with prisoners objects). If
impassable terrain blocks their
path, the company is considered
destroyed and removed. If a
friendly company is in their path
within their normal move, they
pass through it, causing the
friendly company to take a Fear
morale test.
A routing company which is
pursued also gets to roll a 1D6;
a 4-6 adds 1” to the router’s
movement.
Who pursues, and when?
Only Cavalry companies who have
caused an enemy company to rout
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in a HTH battle will pursue, and
immediately after their target has
routed- it is a reaction. They will
follow the router’s path exactly, at
their full up to double their normal
move rate. Note that Foot never
pursues horse.
Pursuers also get to roll a 1D6;
a 4-6 adds 3” to the pursuer’s
movement.
How long do pursuers pursue?
They may continue to pursue as
long as they choose, either hoping
to catch up to the routers, or stop
them from Rallying (see next
paragraph). Pursuers will halt if
they move within 2” or an enemy
company that is not engaged in
HTH or in Rout.
Who may Rally?
Any routers who are unpursued or
have more than their full move
distance between them and their
pursuers at the start of their action
segment.
How does a company Rally?
A company must pass a morale test
using their Rally number. This will
cost 1 CP Upon succeeding, they
may choose any Formation or
shape, facing in any direction. If
they fail, they must continue
routing that turn. If they fail by
more than 2 or roll a natural “12”
the company is considered
dispersed and removed from play.
If it is closer to an enemy company
than a friendly one, they surrender
and become prisoners instead.
Any Humiliated markers the
company may have stay with them,
even after the company has
Rallied.
What happen to routers who
leave the table?
They are considered destroyed.
Pursuers must stop pursuing at the
table’s edge.
What happens if pursuers catch
their prey…?
If this should happen, half the
stands are destroyed (rounding up)
and the other half are replaced
with prisoners, in the possession of
the pursuers. Any Cheka platoons
captured by Whites are executed.
Any Coloured or Officer platoons
captured by the Reds receive
similar treatment. That’s what
spiffy uniforms get you, Comrade.
14) Ambushes
When does a company lay an
ambush? Is a five-year plan
required?
Ambushes must be laid during the
setup before the game begins,
either informing the referee, or
using the Captain’s Feldmachink
system, or any other, including
noting its location on a scrap
paper, keeping the company off the
board (hidden!).
Where can an ambush be laid?
In any location where troops can
be hidden, either light or deep
woods, in buildings, behind a hill
or buildings or woods.
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26
How are ambushes detected? I
can never see those
Makhnovists in time…
Any company may choose to scout
any terrain they suspect of hiding
an ambush, once in their action
segment. (NB – This is not
considered the company’s action.)
The suspicious terrain must be
within 5” of the company in
question unless they are Partisans,
in which case, 10”. Roll 1d6. On a
5-6 the ambush is discovered.
Place the company on the table. An
ambush detected is no longer an
ambush. Note that if a company
moves around a corner of a terrain
object and sees a company that
was in ambush, the spotted
company may still in its action
phase spring the ambush on the
spotting company, if it fulfills the
requirements below. In other
words, the spotting company is
just as surprised as if the
ambushers were hidden in woods
or other terrain. They may only roll
once for the terrain in question.
When can Ambushes be
sprung?
As a Reaction, an ambush can be
sprung during another player’s
action, rolling the ambushers
reraction number or less,
providing that action was a move
that brought the company closer to
the ambushing company and
within its charge distance or short
shooting range if the ambushers
only wish to fire. At this point, the
rest of the move is preempted and
the ambusher’s charge or Shooting
attack takes place. Treat this as
the next consecutive action
segment of the ambusher’s side.
How are ambushes sprung, and
what are their effects?
An ambush is sprung when the
ambushing player decides to place
his company on the table.
If the ambushers decide to charge
an enemy company, they receive
the following benefits:
1) They do not need to pass a
morale check before they
charge.
2) They add 2” to their move range
(due to surprise!).
3) They cause the target to take a
Fear test.
4) One Terror marker is placed on
the ambushed company.
If the ambushers only shoot, and
do not charge, then only 3) and 4)
above apply. Note that regardless
of how many companies fire on an
ambushed company, the effects
remain the same as if only one did.
What about visibility?
See the shooting rules.
15) Night Battles & Fog
How are Night Battles and Fog
handled?
Since sight range is radically
shortened at night or in fog, a
referee is required, or perhaps the
use of the “Feldmachink”-
(See the Captain’s homepage
http://perfectcaptain.50megs.com/
captain.html )
The following effects are also in
play:
1) All companies add one to
morale rolls.
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27
2) All companies have one
Humiliated marker on them,
which cannot be rallied
3) No Shooting is allowed at more
than 3”, Artillery included.
4) Troops should be able to follow
a road or river without getting
lost. Otherwise troops moving
roll 1d6. On a 5-6 they will
“drift” one base width that turn,
either right or left randomly.
5) Troops are always in loose
order.
6) Companies coming within 3” of
a friend in the dark will fire at
them on a roll of 6 on 1d6.
16) Artillery
Can an artillery stand (or
platoon) be considered a
company?
Yes, in that it takes its turn
sequentially in the Action
segment.
What is the Organization of an
artillery platoon?
An Artillery platoon is composed of
an Artillery piece, its horse team
and its crew. No officer can be
attached. If its crew is separated
from its piece for any reason (rout
or retire), it is treated as a Foot
company (cannot shoot, HTH value
of one) until reunited with a piece.
Crews can take control of any
piece without a crew. Horse teams
(on separate stands, if you have
the figures for them) are always
part of the piece and may not
move away from it. Mortar teams
take their tubes with them if they
retire (like MGs) but are lost when
routed. Their crews cannot be
separated from their tubes.
IT will not have an officer however
it will have a reaction number and
must roll that number or less to
fire during its own turn. If the unit
has a Support order it gets a +2
mod to its reaction number.
What actions can Artillery
take?
They can only Move (move,
prolong, limber or unlimber),
Shoot (cannot Move and Shoot in
the same turn) and Recover from
Terror. (NOTE: If Routed, non-
mortar crews may still attempt to
rally and re-man the piece.) They
may not react fire due to enemy
movement or fire, that is they may
only act during their turn.
What are the ranges of the
various artillery pieces?
Although some Artillery cards
show maximum ranges, because of
the small scale of action, Field
guns have no further range
restrictions, so no short or long
range. Some cards, such as
Howitzers and Mortars have a
minimum rage that they cannot
shoot at targets within. Howitzers
have no maximum range.
Can Artillery pieces move?
Unless stated otherwise in the
scenario, all pieces (except
mortars) have horse teams and
move at the rate shown on the
Artillery card. Pieces transported
by horse teams must limber up as
an action before they may move as
an action the next turn. They must
unlimber as an action before they
can fire. Pieces may change their
facing and fire in the same turn.
Red Actions!
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Pieces may also be prolonged
(pushed) at the rate shown on the
card. They may not fire the turn
they are prolonged. Field Guns and
Howitzers may, however, pivot up
to 45 degrees and still fire that
segment. Mortars can fire in any
direction at any time.
Artillery roll against their reaction
number to limber, if successful
they then may move their full
move. They do not get CPs
What is the effect of fire on
Artillery?
The only effects possible on
Artillery platoons are “Retire”,
“Lose Platoon” or “Terror”. These
affect the crew, never the piece. A
gun receiving a Direct Hit is
destroyed along with its crew.
Crews that Rout may man the
piece upon rallying and returning
to it (except mortars).
What happens when Artillery is
charged?
The charging company must still
pass a Charge morale test. Field
Gun crews must pass a Receive
Charge (Fear) test. If it does so,
the Gun may fire on the charging
company (if within its arc). If it is
contacted by an enemy, the gun
crew is captured. Howitzers and
mortars immediately rout if
successfully charged.
What is the effect of Artillery
on infantry, cavalry, or
unarmoured vehicles?
Artillery always gets two die rolls
per shot; one attempt at a Direct
Hit and another roll on the
shooting results table. A gun that
fires on such a company in LOS
first rolls for a Direct Hit. There is
a Direct Hit number (see QRS)
which it must roll equal to or
higher than on 2d6 when firing. A
successful Direct Hit destroys the
vehicle or causes an immediate
“Lose Platoon” result on others.
After the Direct Hit attempt, the
firer executes a normal shooting
attack on the same target. If the
target is not in LOS, artillery may
perform Area Fire, but no Direct
Hit roll is possible; only the
shooting roll is taken.
What is the effect of Artillery
on Tanks and Armoured
Cars?
Artillery still gets two die rolls per
shot; one attempt at a Direct Hit
and another roll on the shooting
results table. A gun which fires on
an armoured vehicle in LOS will
destroy it with a Direct Hit. There
is a Direct Hit number (see QRS)
which it must roll equal to or
higher than on 2d6 when firing. If
the vehicle is stationary or
immobilized, add 2 to the roll. If
the target is an Armoured Car,
after the Direct Hit attempt the
firer executes a normal shooting
attack on the same target. A “Lose
Platoon” result immobilizes it, and
causes it to be abandoned and
therefore considered destroyed.
(Since tanks are only affected by
Direct Hits, the normal shooting
attack is unnecessary.) If the
target is not in LOS, artillery may
perform Area Fire, but no Direct
Hit is possible first.
Red Actions!
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What about when firing on 17) Tanks, Armoured Cars,
buildings? and other Vehicles
Aside from regular fire effects,
when shooting at a building, check
Command of the steel beasts.
for a Direct Hit. A Direct Hit will
Vehicles will have a commander
damage and possibly destroy a
chit drawn for it (or picked per
building and troops inside. See
scenario). The number counts as
Buildings rules.
mods to its Reaction rolls, and
Fear checks.
How do “Direct hits” work? I
know we’ve already
Its will also recive a Reaction
discussed this, but I feel
number.
compelled by this
terrifying subject.
To move it must roll its reaction
When an artillery piece (gun) or a
number or less.
Tank gun fires at a target in LOS,
there is a chance it will score a
May move more than once but
Direct Hit. Roll on the Direct Hit
each subsequent move will have a
Table (see QRS) for every attack.
-2 to the reaction roll, it my fire at
A Direct Hit on any vehicle
any time, however if it moves it
destroys it. If an infantry or
will have a – column modifer to its
cavalry company is hit, it suffers as
fire, for each move it makes or
if it received a “Lose Platoon” hit
part of a move. In addition for each
on the fire table over and above
move ther is a 10% chance of
any damage caused by the
bogging down, so on the first move
subsequent Shooting value attack.
if he rolls a 1 on the reaction
A Direct Hit on a building can
number than he is bogged, on the
destroy it (see Buildings).
second move if he rolls a 1 or 2
then he is bogged etc.
How does indirect fire work, or
if I cannot see you I can still
Example, A Renult tank with a
kill you comrade.
reaction number of 7 decides to
Artillery may have an on board
move fast towards the commie
spotter, they must have a direct
bastards that are to its front. It has
line to the artillery. They pick a
a +1 commander. It rolls a 6 so
target and then roll to hit a d10.
moves once its full move, the
First turn fired hit on 1-4 there
player decides to move again, he
after +1 each trun fired at same
rolls with a +1 for commander -2
target. If miss then artillery moves
for having moved once and so
in the dirction indicated by the d10
needs 6 or less to move he rolls a
(which is like an arrow) that
2, boggs down. He decides to
number of inches.
shoot but since he moved only
once he has a – 1 column shift to
all weapons.
Red Actions!
30
How do Tanks and ACs Break
Down? They didn’t have
such machines in my
Stanitsa…
Although we appreciate these gifts
from the Allied Powers, they break
down easily. Roll 1D6 whenever a
Tank or AC requires a Breakdown
check (denoted by a * on the
Terrain effects Table). On a 5-6,
the vehicle breaks down and may
not move anymore. They may still
fire their weapons. The Mk I-V may
cross trenches as well.
Some tanks and Armoured Cars
have multiple weapons and
turrets? How does that work?
Infernal devices!
Most Armoured Cars have turrets
and a 360-degree arc of fire. All
Machine guns mounted on them
are included in the shooting value
on their card, and can only fire
once per turn.
The British Mark I-V are
considered to have two sets of
weapons sponsons, located on
either side of the vehicle. These
tanks are considered to have a 180
degree arc of fire with their guns,
and may only fire each weapon
once per turn. Note: even though
the Mark IV has two guns, it only
fires one gun each turn,
representing both of them. Female
versions (armed only with machine
guns) and the other versions have
a 360 degree arc.
What happens when Tanks and
Armoured Cars charge my
company? Aside from a loss of
bladder control?
Any troops who are charged by
Tanks or Armoured Cars which do
not Rout from the receive charge
morale test automatically Rout
when contacted by the vehicle, but
have a chance to damage the
vehicle. Roll 1d6. On a six, the
vehicle is immobilized and may not
longer move, but may fire its
weapons. Grenadiers add 2 to this
roll.
Do Tanks have any extra effect
on a target?
Yes. Any troops fired on by a Tank
(within 18”) has one Terror marker
placed on it over and above any
caused by the fire itself, unless it is
in a trench.
What kind of fire affects what
kind of vehicles?
Tanks are unaffected by all but
Direct Hits (see Artillery rules and
QRS). Armoured Cars are only
affected by Direct Hits and “Lose
Platoon” results caused by normal
artillery shooting attacks or close-
range Machine Gun fire (other
results are ignored). A “Lose
Platoon” result immobilizes it, and
causes it to be abandoned and
therefore considered destroyed.
Tchankas and other unarmoured
vehicles are affected normally.
A result of 2 Terror causes the
crew to take a Fear test, modify +2
to die roll if no friendly infantry
within 6”.
A vehicle that fails its fear test will
move full move away from enemy
troops that caused the Fear test.
Red Actions!
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A vehicle that took a Fear test and
passes by only 1 receives on Terror
marker, which will work as a -1
column shift mod to fire and will
also affect any future Fear test by
-1.
18) Buildings
What are the different types of
buildings? I’m from
nomadic stock, you
know- all I know is huts.
There are two types -- Stone and
Wood. These are further divided
into single- and multi-sectioned.
Could you give us a general
description of how
buildings work, please?
My pleasure. A building on the
tabletop can represent a single
building perhaps with attached
shed and outbuildings. They can
be occupied by a single company
of up to four platoons. Larger
buildings such as churches should
be divided into several sections,
and each section is treated as a
different building for game
purposes. Occupants receive
certain defensive benefits.
Buildings can be burned beyond
use (see Setting Fires) and
destroyed by Direct Hits (see
below). Further, for those using
more complicated models (such as
a building with a garden and
hedge), count the whole model as
a building for play purposes
(makes it easier).
How is a building destroyed by
Direct Hits?
Every time a building (section)
receives a Direct Hit, roll 2d6. If
the result is 9-12 for a wood
building, or 11-12 for a stone
building, that section is considered
destroyed and all troops within are
considered lost.
19) Surrender
Under what circumstance will a
company surrender (and
become prisoners)?
1) It is forced to rout or retire into
an enemy company
2) It is dispersed within a charge
move of an enemy facing it.
3) They are charged in the rear.
4) It routs within a charge move of
an enemy and the nearest friendly
company is twice as far away, or is
part of an isolated brigade (see
Orders rules below).
20) Flight & Victory
How does the game end, and
how is the victor
determined?
Unless stated in the scenario, the
game ends in victory for one
player when the enemy has been
put to flight or voluntarily
withdrawn.
How is an army put to flight?
Each army has one or two Flight
numbers, shown as percentages.
One is for Mobs and the second for
everyone else (or mobs also if only
one number is provided). Multiply
this percentage against a side’s
original point total and determine
how many points worth must be
destroyed, captured, or routed off
the board to exceed the two
percentages. Once the number has
Red Actions!
32
been passed, roll percentile dice. If
the number is equal to or under
the flight number, that side does
NOT flee, but may continue
fighting. Every time they lose
another stand for any reason they
roll again against their current
percentage losses. There is no
automatic flight. Armies past their
flight number that have not fled
suffer from Exhaustion (see
below).
Example: White Army (1917-
1918) has 150 points to start with.
During the scenario, as soon at
least 75 points worth of troops
(Say, two field guns and five
platoons of “Coloured” platoons)
have been lost or routed off the
board, and the army fails its flight
roll, the entire army are
considered to have been put to
flight, and must withdraw from the
board at the fastest rate they can
manage.
Note: Stand alone games and
scenarios can be considered at an
end once an army is put to flight,
but executing a withdrawal is
important when the battle is part
of a campaign, such as a Beyond
the River Don campaign.
Specific Rules
These rules are only used in
particular types of scenarios:
A)Fortifications
How does a company occupy a
trench?
To be considered occupying one, a
company must be lined up within
it.
Can Trenches be destroyed?
Not in the course of a scenario.
How does a Blockhouse work?
A blockhouse is a small pillbox-
type fortification for MG
detachments. Such units within
blockhouses combine the trench
modifier (-2 columns) with the
hard cover modifier (-1 column) for
a cumulative –3 modifier.
Engineers and grenadiers may use
their modifiers on units within
them in hand to hand combat.
What is the effect of Wire?
Only foot and Tank units may enter
wire. Tanks use half their
movement to cross wire, and
immediately crush it for a width of
one base. Foot troops must stop
upon entering undamaged wire. In
subsequent action segments, they
may attempt to get off the wire. On
a roll of 9-12 (2d6), they are placed
on the far side of the wire. They
may not perform any other actions
while on the wire. Engineers may,
while on the wire, attempt to cut
it. On a roll of 8-12 (2d6) they
succeed. Treat the wire as if a tank
crushed it.
B) Capturing & Moving
Objects
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33
Can objects move? How? By
shooting around their
ankles?
Yes. All objects have a move rate,
and (invisible) “drivers” that
enable them to move as the owner
wishes. They have no facing or
formation. Objects that are in base
contact with an enemy company,
even one that has not taken of the
object, cannot move until they are
either no longer in contact or the
enemy has taken possession of
them. Note that ALL herds are
moved in the same action segment,
not in separate segments. All
objects have a move rate of 3” per
segment.
How does terrain effect them?
Wagons must remain on roads.
Prisoners treat terrain as Foot,
Herds as Horse.
How do they affect movement
of other companies?
Prisoners have no effect on
movement of others. They are
effectively “not there”. Herds that
are moved through or fought over
by companies are scattered and
removed from play. Wagons are
treated as if they were a piece of
stone wall for movement and
defensive purposes, and cannot be
destroyed.
How can they be
captured/Change
ownership?
Prisoners: A company moving
onto unguarded prisoners
immediately gains ownership. A
company that causes any enemy
companies in contact with the
prisoners to retire immediately
gains possession of them. Any
prisoners unguarded in buildings
require the capturing company to
perform a take possession action.
Prisoners, sadly, can be eliminated
by any troops as an Action.
Herds: Moving a company
adjacent (in contact) to them and
closer than any other enemy
company may take possession of
the Herd. They move at a rate of
4” per turn.
Wagons: Are captured in the same
manner as herds.
C) Setting Fires
Can my men set fires? We don’t
want to be shot as
saboteurs.
Any company can attempt to set
buildings on fire. It must be within
1” of the building. Roll 1d6. On a
3-6, place a Terror marker on the
building. At the beginning of each
turn, add one more Terror marker.
When the total or Terror markers
equals five, the building is
considered uninhabitable and
effectively destroyed. Stone
buildings may not be burned.
Large buildings that have more
than one section (see buildings)
act normally except that after one
section burns completely, the next
section is considered on fire.
How can fires be fought? Must
our unit Soviet vote on
this first?
Fires can be fought in the same
manner as they are set. Roll 1d6.
On a 4, one terror marker is
removed. On a 5, two markers. On
a 6, three.
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34
D) Aircraft
How are aircraft represented?
Aircraft are represented by a
single model on a raised stand.
When do they enter during a
scenario?
Unless stated otherwise in the
scenario, an aircraft will enter the
area (and begin its three turn
endurance) randomly. Roll 1d6
each turn. On a 5-6, the aircraft
enters.
How do they move? It all looks
like witchcraft to me!
They do not actually move. They
may be placed on the board at the
beginning of the Action phase
when they enter. Upon choosing a
target, they are placed within 15”
of its target. Note that each
aircraft requires an action
segment of its own. This segment
always takes place after all other
land unit segments have been
resolved (including any AA fire).
Once it comes to the segment for
the Aircraft to attack, it may adjust
itself 15” to be right next to the
unit it is attacking , pointing at it.
After attacking, the aircraft is
removed.
How do they attack?
Aircraft have a shooting factor
used to fire at their target. They
must be able to see it and cannot
fire at troops in woods at all (due
to the canopy) except in winter.
The attack is performed normally,
with the following exceptions:
1) If enfilading troops in a trench,
they receive no terrain benefit.
2) One Terror marker is placed on
the Target over and above any
caused by the fire itself.
What about bombing?
Fighters may make one bomb
attack in place of a strafing attack.
Fighter-Bombers may make two
such attacks, and Bombers three.
It acts exactly as an artillery
attack, including direct hits.
Do Aircraft have any extra
effect on a target?
Yes. Any troops fired on by an
aircraft (strafing or bombing) has
one Terror marker placed on it
over and above any caused by the
fire itself, unless it is in a trench.
How often can an aircraft
attack during a scenario?
Unless shot down or damaged, an
aircraft may make one attack per
turn for three turns. They must be
sequential turns -- aircraft have
limited fuel!
Are there any Anti-Aircraft
units available? Please
say yes, Comrade!
Yes. You can use any gun card (not
Howitzers or mortars) to represent
an Anti-Aircraft gun. It has the
same fire value and range, but can
only be used on aircraft. Further,
before play starts, a player may
designate any Machine Gun
platoons as having been mounted
for Anti-Aircraft fire. Such units
may not move during the course of
a battle and may only fire at
aircraft. Also, Austin-Putilovs may
fire at aircraft if they want (this
counts as an Action for them, of
course). Trains also may fire at
them (see Train, below).
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How are aircraft damaged by
ground fire?
Any AAMGs or guns will fire on an
aircraft within range before the
aircraft strafes or bombs any
target (as the aircraft always
attacks in the last action segment).
The following results affect the
aircraft:
1) A Terror result means the
aircraft breaks off its attack for
this turn only. It does however
count against its three-attack
total.
2) A Lose Platoon* result means
the aircraft is shot down. Add
10% to the flight number of the
successful player!
Note that a given AA gun or AA
MG may only fire at one aircraft
per turn. Direct hits are never
rolled against aircraft.
What happens if aircraft from
both sides are on the
board at the same time?
If both sides have fighters or
fighter-bombers on the board at
the same time, they are both
removed from play (assumed to be
chasing one another off). That
turn’s attack is lost for both
aircraft.
E) Engineers and
Grenadiers
There doesn’t seem to be any
Engineer or Grenadier
cards….? Have they
deserted?
This is not an omission. If using a
points system, one company
(chosen before play begins) may
be considered Engineers or
Grenadiers at a cost of 3 points per
platoon. For Freikorps or
Landeswehr, or any
Interventionists, the cost is only 1
point per platoon.
What kind of troops can be
made into Engineers or
Grenadiers? Surely not any
Kulaks!
Any infantry with a Storm or
Specialist characteristic.
Are the card values modified
for these troops?
For Engineers no. For Grenadiers,
add two to their HTH value.
Engineers count only +25 to
enemy total when attacking
fortifications.
F) Armoured Trains
What are armoured trains?
What time does the next
one come by?
All trains come as a series of
linked cars, of which there are
three types: Engines, Artillery
cars, And Other cars (tenders,
cargo boxcars, passengers, etc.
Engines are usually placed in the
center, with any Other types on
either side of the engine. Artillery
Cars are always located at either
or both ends of the train.
Only Artillery cars can fire, and
only Engines can provide
movement. Other cars have no
effect on play, except to carry
troops; Troops may fire from
within the train, as if they are in a
building.
Red Actions!
36
How do trains move? Does this
one go to Vladivostok?
Trains move at a maximum of 8”
along their rails. If they wish to
stop, they may only do so by
halving their move each turn until
they are stationary.
(Example: a train moving 8” which
wishes to stop will move 4” next
turn, then 2” the turn after, then
one the turn after that. They are
fully stopped only on the 4th turn.)
To start moving again, they simply
follow the process in reverse. If
they wish to move backwards, they
observe the same process, but
must first be fully stopped from
any other forward movement to do
so.
Can you uncouple cars?
Not in this game.
How do they engage in combat?
Only Artillery cars may do so, and
troops within troop cars (see
above). Artillery Cars are usually
situated at the front or rear (or
both) ends of a train. They are
armed with either a 76.2mm or a
120mm battery, but not both. They
may fire at any angle except back
along their own lengths. They may
only fire when stationary. Each
artillery car is treated as it’s own
battery, and may fire as such only
once per turn.
Each Artillery car is also armed
with MGs. Each car may fire these
twice per turn, but only one per
side of the car per turn. They may
fire while the train is moving.
Along with AA MG fire against any
Aircraft on board that turn, a
single Artillery car may fire in 4
Action segments a turn.
How are trains damaged or
destroyed?
Train cars may not be destroyed,
but they may be damaged by
artillery, aircraft bombs, or tank
fire, if the tank has guns on it.
Mortar fire cannot damage train
cars. The 37mm gun on an FT-17
tank may not damage Artillery
cars, but may still damage
engines.
Artillery cars may take three direct
hits before they are considered
damaged and may no longer fire
any weapons.
Engines may take three direct hits
before they are totally
immobilized. For each hit, they
lose 2” off their total move
allowance.
When moving, use the “Vehicle”
Direct Hit numbers for firing at a
train. When stationary, use the
“Building” numbers.
What effect does morale have
on trains, and vice versa?
Infantry fired on by a train treat
this fire in the same way as tank
fire.
Train engines roll their fear
numbers each time they receive a
direct hit. If they fail, the train
must immediately try to retire off
their friendly board edge. They
may not attempt to rally.
Can trains fire at airplanes?
Yes, each Artillery car is supplied
with an AA MG. It may only be
used for AA fire.
Red Actions!
37
G) Exhaustion
How do companies become
exhausted? Not another
Ice March, I hope…
Companies may begin a scenario
exhausted per scenario special
rules, or through a campaign-
generated engagement. They also
become exhausted when their
army is pushed past its flight
number but has not fled yet (see
Flight & Victory).
What is the effect of
exhaustion?
Exhausted companies can be
dispersed by failing a regular fear
test by 2 or by rolling a natural 12,
as if it were attempting to rally
(see “consequences of failing a
rally test” in the Morale rules).
H) Surprise
What is a Surprise? I mean,
aside from receiving any
back pay…
Some scenarios may dictate that
one side is surprised; either on the
march or in camp.
What is the effect on a side’s
setup?
For a Camp surprise- The
surprised side sets up with no
platoons of company closer than 6”
from the platoons of another
company. The scenario special
rules dictate where they set up on
the board, as well as where the
attackers setup (usually no closer
than 12” from the nearest enemy,
after viewing their setup)
For a March surprise- The
surprised side sets up with each
company in column, with no
platoons of a company closer than
6” from the platoons of another
company, contiguously (usually on
a road) The scenario special rules
dictate where they set up on the
board, as well as where the
attackers setup (usually no closer
than 12” from the nearest enemy,
after viewing their setup).
What is the effect on the
actions of a surprised
side?
Place a two humiliated markers on
each company at start. Companies
may remove one humiliated
marker per turn as an action
(similar to Recover from Terror).
When they are fully removed, the
company may act normally. If an
enemy company moves to within
6” of a surprised company, it may
act normally but may no longer
remove humiliated markers.
I) Brigades, Objectives,
and Orders
Command rules have been
included as an option for those
players that want to add a more
interesting and hazardous element
to typical game play, as well as a
challenge to a player’s abilities.
These cannot be definitively
explained and detailed- discretion
and good conduct MUST be
utilized.
Can we have a general overview
of these rules?
Players divide their armies into
brigades. Each brigade is given an
Red Actions!
38
objective, drawn on a piece of
paper in a simplistic manner (this
is actually a lot of fun- be sure to
compare maps after the battle. See
example below). Notes should be
written on it for more detail; then
each brigade is given an order
which dictates the mechanics of
what companies in a brigade may
do to achieve their objective
(orders will often change in play).
All this is done at setup and before
the first turn begins. Orders issued
must always work towards the
Objective. During a scenario
Colonels and Majors may attempt
to change orders based on their
army’s staff number (see below).
Colonels may choose to setup a
stationary Headquarters (HQ) to
facilitate control.
What is a Brigade, and what is
its purpose and function?
A brigade is a division of the forces
available in a scenario consisting
of one or more companies. A
player may have any number of
brigades. Each brigade chooses a
“Major”- an officer similar to a
Colonel, chosen from among the
Captains in a company in the
Brigade. Each brigade is given an
order, detailing how it can act in
attempting to achieve its
objectives. Note that unlike a
Colonel a major must remain with
his original company. Thus the
more brigades on a side, the more
flexible an army is in battle. Since
only one order or objective may be
issued per turn, too many brigades
are not always a good idea.
What is an objective?
An objective is either a
geographical location (a wood,
ford, village, hill etc.) or a part of
the enemy army (a wing, a line,
even a troop type (such as
skirmishing riflemen, dragoons,
etc.).
A brigade is constrained to work
towards its objective, within
reason- if it suffers a serious
reverse, it may fall back to its start
line or to a defensible location.
Unless a new objective is sent by
the Colonel, they should, even
after a reverse, try to reach their
objective.
How is an objective detailed?
At the start of play, both players
should draw up a crude map in the
style that was used in the time,
with notes on it as required. Be
creative! Be careful, objectives are
hard to change once given.
What is an order?
An order is given to a brigade that
dictates the tactics to be used to
achieve an objective. The available
orders are:
Press their defenses! -The
brigade should attempt to fire at
enemy forces without getting too
close to them or getting involved
in H-T-H combat. Fall back if
pressed too close. May recover
from terror at any time.
Fire Support –Hold position and
Fire at enemy from Long Range.
Usually for brigades composed of
Artillery or MGs.
Attack at All Costs! -The brigade
should move closer to the enemy
at full speed (loose or formed) until
in close range followed by an
attempt to bring on H-T-H combat.
Red Actions!
39
May only recover from Terror once
while within close range.
Hold at all Costs! -Hold the
position or geographical location
(Hill, stream, ford, etc) and do not
willingly retire (unless
overwhelmed). Attempt to retake
position if pushed back.
Regroup -Fall back away from the
enemy, beyond small arms long
range if possible. Recover from
any Terror, and await new orders.
Fall back if enemy closes on your
position.
Special Duty - This order requires
a written instruction (sorry!) such
as “guard the plunder as it moves
across the board” or “burn all of
the buildings in this area” etc.
When are objectives and orders
changed, and by who?
Objectives can only be changed by
a Colonel, and Orders by a Major.
A Colonel may attempt to change
ONE objective per turn, and a
Major may attempt to change his
brigade’s order once per turn.
What is a stationary HQ, and
what is its purpose?
A stationary HQ is a model (a tent
perhaps) or just a location that is
setup on the board with the
Colonel on/in it. As long as he
remains in place his side is
considered to have an HQ. As long
as this condition remains, the
colonel may attempt to change
TWO objectives per turn, and adds
one to the army’s staff number.
Any brigade that is considered
“dug in” with telephone lines
stretching to the HQ (per scenario
special rules) has three added to
its staff number.
What is a Staff number?
Armies have Staff numbers based
on the type of army and the year.
This number represents how
organized the officers in an army
are, and how easily they can
change plans during a battle.
These numbers are given in the
scenarios and army lists. Staff
numbers are modified by certain
types of order changes as shown in
the Army lists. Clever Colonels or
Majors always add 2 to the Staff
number.
Army Staff Numbers:
AFSR:
Ice March: 9/Alexseev Era:
8/Deniken: 7/Wrangel: 7
Other Whites:
Iudenich: 7/Kolchak: 7
Bolsheviks:
Red Guards: 4/Red Army 1918:
5/Red Army 1919: 6/Konarmy-
Kavkom: 7/Red Minors: 5
Freikorps:
Late WWI: 9/Baltic: 8/Silesia-
Germany: 8
Poland:
Silesia: 5/Russo-Polish: 7
Interventionists:
Czechs: 7/Early Entente: 9/Later
Entente: 8/Semenov: 6/Kappelites:
7/Japanese: 8
Dunsterforce: 9/TransCaspian: 9
Nationalists:
Latvian: 7/Lithuanian: 6/Estonian:
7/Finnish: 8/Belorussians:
6/Ukranians (All): 6
Makhnovist: 5/TransCaucasian:
5/Georgian-Armenian: 6
Red Actions!
40
Can a Colonel issue a general
order that affects all brigades
at once?
Yes. A Colonel can give a signal
that (if successfully issued)
changes all brigades to either “All
out attack” or “Regroup”
(eventually regrouping off the
board if he doesn’t change their
order….)
How are objectives and orders
changed?
To change a brigade’s objective, a
Colonel must roll his staff number
or under on 2D6. If successful, the
objective is changed NEXT turn.
The same rule applies to a Major
for order changes.
How rigidly must a brigade
adhere to its orders….?
Here is where discretion comes in.
A Brigade with an All Out Attack
order that finds Cossacks on its
flank CAN turn a company to face
them, even though it is no longer
moving forward- it IS working
towards its objective. Don’t use
these occurrences as an excuse to
avoid carrying out orders.
Skirmishers can always use
skirmish tactics, even when in a
brigade that has all-out attack and
charge orders.
How does a brigade become
isolated and what is the affect
on it?
A brigade composed on one
company or of several companies
totaling less than five stands will
become isolated when it is more
than 24” from a friendly brigade.
An isolated brigade must roll
against the serious number of the
most predominant troop type in it
before it acts each turn. If it fails,
the brigade immediately changes
its order to Regroup.
DESIGNER’S NOTES:
The feel of Skirmish and bigger
battles rolled into one…..
The WWI/RCW period has a goodly
number of rulesets for
regimental/divisional sized battles.
What we were after with these
rules was to create something for
the small, often forgotten but very
interesting engagements of the
Russian Civil War. This type of
battle is more free wheeling and
less certain than what many
gamers are used to. Objectives are
more “personal”- take a house,
steal cattle, free prisoners, beat up
enemy quarters or shoot up a rear-
guard. You can also play bigger
battles where forces engaged
hover around 1500-3000 men per
side.
Ebb and Flow, Back and Forth
Larger battles tend to lead to very
decisive moves in games- one side
advances, and either conquers or
dies. Many players are used to
this, and expect it in their rules.
What we have done is include
mechanisms such as Retire results
and Terror that can force back an
attacker without destroying him.
Some players are annoyed by this-
they don’t like troops falling back
at all, much less more than once.
We feel this better simulates the
idea of rushes and attacks, where
many will take place rather than
one big one which are more
Red Actions!
41
characteristic of smaller-level
warfare.
Casualties
Again, many gamers appreciate
rules that bring about large
amounts of casualties- it is sort of
a gauge for how well they are
doing. Some engagements did lead
to ranks thinning quickly, but more
often than not this wasn’t the case,
unless one is playing WWI. The
RCW was more of a war of
movement, without enormous
concentrations of forces and the
commensurate high casualties.
Besides, casualties in Red Actions
don’t necessarily mean dead and
wounded. They represent an
incapacitation brought about by a
loss of key officers and a
shattering of a unit’s fighting
spirit. Make no mistake; you can
end up with a high body count in
these rules (try marching into a
crossfire of MGs or an artillery
barrage), but lower casualties than
usual are likely. After all, an army
is defeated by a feeling of
hopelessness, not by everyone
being killed. Work toward the
psychological destruction of your
foes, by flanking them and by
keeping up the pressure.
Scenario Generation
We’re going to do things a little
different for this particular
incarnation of Actions! Instead of
providing specific forces for the
scenarios, we’re going with a more
of a Design Your Own system. The
following are only broad
guidelines. However, for those
wanting a campaign framework
within which to generate games,
we suggest you try out our
“Beyond the River Don” campaign
system, found on our main
website.
Choosing sides and roles
Players choose their particular
“nationality” (based on available
miniatures, most likely!) from
among the available Nation Force
Tables (see separate
Organizational sheets). These will
tell a player what types of troops
are available to specific
geographically located armies, as
well as flight numbers and point
costs. Having done this, they must
decide who will be the attacker or
defender. A simple die roll can
resolve this.
Determining points
Each player receives 100 points as
a base number- which is a good
starting number for a modest sized
force. The defender secretly rolls
1d6 and adds 20 points per pip.
The attacker does the same but
rolls 2d6. These numbers can be
modified for availability of
miniatures- more or less.
Buying troops
Players consult their national lists
for availability and cost of troop
types. Any combination of troops
may be chosen subject to
availability to the specific army, as
stated above. All points must be
spent before the scenario begins;
they cannot be saved for
purchases during the scenario.
Costs shown are per platoon,
vehicle, gun or plane.
Red Actions!
42
A notorious rogue partisan leader
Reinforcements is being searched for, in an ever-
A player may choose to purchase tightening noose. The board
reinforcements instead of troops at should be composed of rough
start. These cost only half as much terrain and numerous woods. The
as (rounded up, after ALL attackers must kill the defending
reinforcement purchases are colonel to win. The defending
made- not “per platoon”) troops colonel may not exit the board. The
deployed at start, but must be defender can only purchase
rolled for at the start of every turn. Partisans for infantry, or POW
They arrive on a player’s table troops if Poles. German Nationalist
edge on a roll of 11 or higher on may choose Freikorps as well as
2d6. They enter on any road Partisans, but only 50% of points
leading off their edge, if there is may be spent on them. The
one, otherwise anywhere along the defender may not purchase any
edge. cavalry, artillery, or vehicles (aside
from Tchankas). The colonel must
Scenario Type remain with a company at all times
The following types are examples or he is considered defeated.
of scenarios that may be
generated, on the agreement of 3) Is that the Chattanooskaya
both players; however, they are Choo-Choo?
only a small selection of the wide The telegraph lines are cut, and an
range of engagements that can be unguarded ammunition train is on
recreated. All it takes is a little its way to town; the attacker must
light reading, Comrade…. capture the station before the train
rolls in. The board should be
1) Radio Center Raid relatively open with a rail line
A lightening raid on a brigade running about 12” away from the
headquarters is under way. The defenders board edge. The
board is relatively clear with a attacker has 15 turns to capture
town close to the defender’s side the rail station (or what’s left of it)
of the board. One of the buildings and “welcome” the train (which is
(no more than eight should be on considered to halt and surrender
the table) is secretly designated as upon entry- don’t bother
brigade headquarters. The representing it). The attacker must
attacker must capture or destroy set up at least 5’ form the
this building to win. Most defenders board edge.
buildings should be made of wood, Variant: Heh heh- it’s not an
with the defender able to unguarded ammunition train- it’s
“purchase” one of them as a stone an armoured train with some
building at a cost of 25 points. troops on it as well! One of your
informants is a traitor- don’t
bother to find out whom- be sure,
2) Partisans! and shoot them all.
Red Actions!
43
4) Horse lifting, Cossack style opponents off the board by
The previous owners have bringing them to their flight
interrupted a successful “supply” number and by routing or
run! The board could be just about eliminating all Latvians, if they are
any configuration, as long as there their enemies.
is a road running its length. There
may even be a river crossing Troop Cards
involved. The defenders, 50% of National force tables show troop
who must be cavalry, set up at the types based on individual cards,
center of the board with eight showing the type, nationality and
herds. The attackers start at least fighting values. Below is a brief
3-1/2 feet away from them. To win, explanation of each type. Note that
the defenders must get at least 5 the Interventionist troop cards are
herds off their board edge not mentioned here. See the
(opposite where the attackers Pygmy Wars website for even
start). No aircraft, artillery or more cards, and some variants.
vehicles of any kind are allowed.
White Armies
5) One Russia…..United………
White Conscripts
comrade…?
Unable to raise enough volunteers
A battalion of Latvian rifles have
to fill the ranks, White armies were
gone AWOL. Are they deserting, or
forced to conscript large numbers
using initiative?
of men. Poorly trained and
They have seized a village of
motivated.
uncertain ownership. The Red
White Volunteers
player sets up a company of 4
Mostly regular army units that
platoons of Red Latvian rifles in a
have gone over to the Whites, and
town at the center of the board.
as such more motivated and better
The White player does the same
trained than conscripts.
with another, similar company!
Officer Companies
Both players then set up at their
Most common in 1917/18 White
forces least 24” away from the
armies, these were units composed
nearest Latvians. When any troops
entirely of commissioned officers
move within short rifle range of
and NCO. Since some of the
any Latvians, roll 1d6; on a 1-2,
privates were actually Colonels,
they join the Whites, and may
they were of elite quality.
immediately perform an action. On
Colour Companies
a 3-4, they join the Reds; on a 5-6
Similar to officer companies. These
they will fight both players! A
units formed the core of Deniken’s
Latvian company then may be
southern armies. Of higher quality
chosen each to act by the player
and professionalism than any other
whose troops are farthest from the
Whites, they were greatly feared
company in question at the time
by their enemies.
they choose to use an action
segment to act with them. To win,
a player must chase ALL
Red Actions!
44
White Cavalry Nationalist Conscripts
Russian cavalry with many Lacking in training, these troops
aristocrats as officers, these units were of low quality. However their
were of higher quality than their desire for freedom from imperial
more “proletarian” opposite masters meant they could be
numbers. Good training and highly motivated.
discipline. When dismounted, use Nationalist Regulars
White Volunteers. These troops probably saw service
White Cossacks in the Russian Imperial armies as
Following the traditions of various legions, of which there
hundreds of years, these troopers were many. As such they would
were more at home in the saddle have been well trained, and since
than out. Excellent quality born of they often left the from intact as
constant practice. When units, well armed.
dismounted, use White Plastoons. Nationalist Cavalry
White Plastoons A generic term for such varied
Skirmish-trained infantry, most units from so many nations and
commonly from the Kavkaz region, armies. In the lately Russian
were the light troops of the states, they would likely have been
Russian army. czarist regiments that went over
Czech Legion completely to the armies of their
Composed of ex-legionnaires and new homeland, and would be
prisoners, these troops turned on similar to White Cavalry. When
the Reds while trying to get home dismounted, use Nationalist
via the only available route -- Regulars.
Vladivostock. They showed Estonian Kompagnie
themselves cohesive and tough As hardy and dangerous as the
opponents. Freikorps they often fought
British Empire Infantry alongside, the Estonians deserve
These really represent any singling out for their own infantry
Interventionist troops, from card.
French to Japanese to Americans. Polish Armies
Not very highly motivated, they Polish Conscripts
were professional enough, having Hastily raised units for the war
just gone through the Great War. with Russia, these troops
would not have had time for
Nationalist Armies proper training and arming
These cards can be used to during the army’s rapid
represent units of the various expansion of 1919-1920.
national groups bent on escaping Polish Regulars
the now crumbling yoke of the As with other nationalist armies,
former Russian empire. Emerging these would have served either in
nations such as Byelorussia, French, Russian, Austro-
Ukraine, Lithuania, etc. would use Hungarian, German or Russian
these cards. armies in their respective Polish
Red Actions!
45
Legions. Well trained, highly discipline- that’s what comes from
motivated. elected officers, comrades!
Polish Uhlans Red Conscript Company
Some of the most dangerous As the revolution progressed, it
cavalry in Europe at the time, was realized that volunteer forces
these lance-armed horsemen would not be enough. Poorly
famously put the best Red cavalry motivated and prone to desert.
to flight in one of the war’s largest Red Regular Company
cavalry actions. Eventually, those who survived the
early battles of the civil war began
Freikorps Armies to gain experience, especially as
Freikorps Kompagnie more veterans of the former
Veteran volunteers of the Tsarist army began to turn up.
disbanding German imperial These units would become more
armies, these troops were highly common in later 1919 and 1920.
dedicated and disciplined, and Naval Infantry Company
showed themselves to be some of Naval units were amongst the first
the toughest troops in the east. to turn Red, and were some of the
Their commanders were often most rugged troops around. These
decorated NCO and junior officers can also be used for the
popular with their troops. Communist German marines who
Landeswehr Kompagnie fought the Freikorps within
These were a militia raised in the Germany.
Baltic from German colonists and Red Latvian Company
like minded individuals. Not as The Communist Latvian units in
well trained as the Freikorps, they the Red Army were the hardiest
were very keen on making the and most committed to the Red
region into a German satellite, and Cause.
fought well during the Latvian and Red Partisans
Estonian campaigns. Made up mostly of peasants and a
Freikorps Uhlans few veterans of the Great War. May
These lance-armed troopers were be used for Communist insurgents
also composed of demobilizing of virtually any country in the post
regulars- well trained, seasoned WWI east (including Germany and
horsemen. Poland, for example).
Cheka Company
These units, while few in number
Red Armies
in the vast Soviet Army, were
Red Guard
greatly feared- mostly by their own
In the initial days of the
comrades! Well armed, motivated
Revolution, these are the cadres
and filled with a ruthless zeal for
formed from worker’s Soviets
the Revolution, these units would
along with a scattering of like-
usually appear where the fighting
minded soldiers- filled with
was thickest, or often trailing
revolutionary ardour, but with little
unmotivated red formations to deal
with stragglers. May also
Red Actions!
46
represent ChoN infantry
specialists.
Red Army Cavalry Squadron
The average cavalry unit in the
Red army, usually attached to Rifle
divisions. Poorly trained and
mounted. When dismounted, use
Red Conscripts.
Red Cossack Squadron
Better than the average Red
cavalry, these troops did not match
the élan of their brothers in the
White cause. When dismounted,
use Red Conscripts.
Konarmy Cavalry Squadron
A mix of Cossack bandits, ex-
Tsarist veterans and committed
Reds, the Konarmy and the
Kavkom Army were the elite horse
formations of the Bolshevik forces.
These units would prove to be the
breeding ground for the eventual
officer elite of Stalin’s military.
When dismounted, use Red
Regulars.
Red Tchanka
These are small groups wagons
with machine guns mounted
usually in the rear. Common in
most Red Cavalry Divisions, and
occasionally in Partisan forces.
Makhnovist Armies
Makhnovist Partisans
Well armed and highly motivated,
this card represents the “regular”
Anarchist infantry units which
Nestor Makhno led in the Ukraine
during the Civil War.
Makhnovist Cavalry
Few but ferocious, Makhno himself
led troops like these against the
best cavalry of the Southern White
armies…and won.
Makhnovist Tchankas
One of the many groups who
claimed to have invented the
tchanka, Makhnovist forces used
them to great effect, often packing
these wagons with extra troops, in
case of melees with enemy
infantry.
Weapons Cards
Although certain groups (such as
the Reds and Whites) have been
given a few of their own weapons
cards, most of these could be used
for virtually any army which took
part in the RCW.
Machine Gun Detachment
A small group of machine guns and
troops. No specific MG type is
denoted, as many forces would
have a mix available.
Mortar Detachment
These could be German
Minenwerfers or British Stokes
mortars, or any other type of man
portable bomb thrower.
76.2mm Field Gun
A small handful of field guns of
different sizes and manufacturers,
including French 75mm Quick-fire
guns, 77mm Krupps, Putilov
76.2mm guns, amongst others.
105mm Howitzers
This card represents merely 2 or 3
howitzers, of differing sizes (from
105 to 150mm) and
manufacturers.
Ford MG Car
This can be used for a small group
of any type of unarmoured open
car which mounts an MG.
Austin Armoured Car
This can be used to represent 2 or
3 of any type of armoured car
mounting at least a couple of Mgs,
Red Actions!
47
or at least one in a turret mount. It
may also fire as an AA MG.
Renault FT-17 Tank
Representing a couple of 37mm
gun armed FT-17s
Mark I-V F/M (Female/Male)
Tank
This card can be used for a couple
of either the Female (Mgs only in
its sponsons) or Male (6pdrs in its
sponsons) British Mark IV Tanks.
Players who have “hermaphrodite”
versions may use all the values.
Armoured Train
Artillery Cars use the fire factors
from this card, while the Engine
car uses the movement numbers.
The morale numbers apply to the
train as a whole.
From the Interventionist
Supplement
British Dominion Infantry:
These count as Canadians and the
few Australians in the various
expeditionary forces, and any
other British units not raised in
Great Britain itself. They may also
be used for some of the better
Imperial infantry units, as opposed
to the units of wounded veterans
or somewhat unmotivated regular
infantry, which were common in
the Intervention.
French Metropolitan Infantry:
mostly veterans of the Western
Front or the Salonika campaign,
who were very unhappy to have
been sent to Russia rather than be
demobilized.
French Colonial Infantry &
Chasseurs: mostly French who
were raised in the colonies, as well
as a few colonial native units.
They had better morale, but they
soon became infected due to
mutinous and Bolshevik influence.
Baltic Recruits: not all Freikorps
units were full of ubermenschen!
Many of the Baltic German units
fared poorly on the battlefield- this
card represents them.
Finnish “Jagers”: at the outset of
the Finnish Civil war, the returned
Finns who served in German Jager
units wished to be kept together as
elite units, but were separated and
sent to stiffen up and command
newly raised native Jager units; it
is these we are depicting here.
Central Asian Cavalry: This card
represents the many types of
Turkic and Mongolian nomadic
cavalry, mixed with a few eastern
Cossacks, which made a fearsome
yet irregular mark from the
Caspian to the Far East.
National Plastoon Infantry:
Used for many of the irregular
infantry units of south, central and
eastern Russia.
Caucasian Recruits: used for the
hastily-raised and poorly trained
militia units of the various peoples
(Azeris, Armenians, etc.) of the
Caucasus.
Polish Legionnaire: The Poles
were lacking a card for some of
their elite infantry units. Now they
are not.
Weapons: new weapons have
been added for vehicles such as
the British Whippet, the Garford-
Putilov Armoured car (or truck)
and the many forms of armored
car which mounts a single MG in a
turret, or has a number of MG’s
but with no more than one bearing
in any given direction.
Furthermore, there is now a
neutral card for an MG
Red Actions!
48
detachment, a mortar, and a
Tchanka. They may be used by any
side (which is allowed any in their
lists).

That’s It Comrade! Good Luck, and keep an eye out for any pesky
Makhnovists!