Tuesday 26 February 2019

Random Event Cards

In the previous post I made reference to the use of random event cards, mainly for fun but also to add another dimension to the game. Their use is not my idea, but was prompted by a discussion with my friend Chris Gregg (his blog is )here following his mention of the use of cards in a recent game. So, without further ado, while on holiday the other week I knocked up a set of about 50-60 cards, each with some event which might fall on a player during a game.

The way I played it on Saturday was that each side drew three cards at the start of the game. They were then free to use any number at any point during their turn or that of the enemy, replacing any used cards from the deck. Here are some examples:



DO NOT FIRE! THEY ARE FRENCH!*ETC

(INSERT COUNTRY AS APPLICABLE *)
An enemy unit (infantry or artillery) is ordered not to fire at their nominated target by a ‘staff officer’ who claims they are their allies.

FORWARD THE COLOURS!
One unit currently shaken is immediately rallied as the regiment’s colours are proudly advanced to the fore……and then enraged as the ensigns are both shot! Advance one move.

WHAT? FOLLOW HIM? NO FUCKING WAY, HE’S NUTS!
Play on an enemy unit receiving ‘follow me’ orders. The unit refuses to follow the general, preferring instead to be recorded for posterity as the regiment that failed to follow their commander to his glorious death.

CARNAGE AMONG THE TRAIN!
A battery is rendered immobile as its drivers and limber teams are decimated by enemy fire.

THE REPRESENTATIVE EN MISSION
A unit gets to re-roll any command or break test as his presence is ‘encouraging’.


There are a whole range of others, for example enhancing fire discipline for a move, a general falling off his horse and unable to give orders, a forgotten unit, short-sighted colonels who can only order their men to fire at point blank range, and untested units that have to take a break test when they fire their first volley. Events all ripped from the pages of history, or my imagination. 

I produced some backs for the cards which I'm rather pleased with. Obviously not my artwork but I love the picture.

Some further examples showing how I've presented them. All that I then had to do was laminate and guillotine them ready for use.
Interestingly, despite the range of events that could be visited upon your opponent or indeed your own side, it was surprising, and a relief, that the odd benefit or mishap had no impact on the game, other than to add a little humour, an extra level of frustration and another opportunity for plotting and conniving during the game!


7 comments:

  1. I feel that the Prussian Commander being killed by a random cannon ball "had no impact upon the game" summed up the Prussians dasterly cowardice, hiding behind that ridge leaving the fighting to thier allies ....

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  2. Great idea, getting the balance right with random events is the challenge 90% of the time they should just be annoying or fun but occasionally by some random set of events they make a difference 🙂

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  3. Those are a very clever addition Colin. I may adapt my ACW cards for an earlier period.

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  4. Great stuff, a fine addition to any game I find.

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  5. We have a similar system in our rules, and Random Event Cards add a lot imho to the atmosphere, well done!

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  6. I agree Colin that on their own they make little difference, but a combination of luck and skill can give a player a run that advances his cause more than just a little. Good luck with it.

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