6 replies to this topic

[Marcin Zgiernicki]

I know this has been discussed before and a similiar topic is buried somewhere in the old forum archives but I'll appreciate a clear ruling "in written" (perhaps in the rules/databook update).If I field a non-infantry unit (e.g any German "Panzerspaehwagen" - armored cars or british Armored Recon) that fulfills a reconnaissance role (by TO&E or historical facts) does it also have the "Recon" special ability (secret deployment, doubled command distance)? Do I need to "buy" the recon support type for recon vehicles?? (this sounds rather fair for me as it gives them real advantage - perhaps it should be even more expensive for vehicles?).And one more question here - what happens if due to "secret deployment rule" player's recon units find themselves face-to-face with their enemy counterparts (e.g. trying to hide in the same wood). It is not very likely to happen but when it does it means almost immediate destruction of the side that loses the first initiative roll. Maybe this should be covered somehow in the rules?Ditto for Forward Observers that are even more likely to "meet" while seeking good spotting point along the middle of the table.Marcin

[Bob Benge]

Hey Marcin,here are the answers:

If I field a non-infantry unit (e.g any German "Panzerspaehwagen" - armored cars or british Armored Recon) that fulfills a reconnaissance role (by TO&E or historical facts) does it also have the "Recon" special ability (secret deployment, doubled command distance)?

Yes, they would, but read next answer also.

Do I need to "buy" the recon support type for recon vehicles?? (this sounds rather fair for me as it gives them real advantage - perhaps it should be even more expensive for vehicles?).

If the vehicle is listed in the WW2 Databook as Recon in the notes section, then no you don't have to pay extra for the Recon ability since it is already integrated into the vehicles BPV. Normally these vehicles are located in the Observation, Command and Recon section but not always. If you have a vehcile that is being used as Recon per TO&E and the vehicle is not list as Recon in the Databook then, yes, you will have to buy the recon ability.

And one more question here - what happens if due to "secret deployment rule" player's recon units find themselves face-to-face with their enemy counterparts (e.g. trying to hide in the same wood). It is not very likely to happen but when it does it means almost immediate destruction of the side that loses the first initiative roll. Maybe this should be covered somehow in the rules?Ditto for Forward Observers that are even more likely to "meet" while seeking good spotting point along the middle of the table.

That is a good question. Oh Jon?!? :whistle: In our games we normally limit initial placements that prevent this from happening. But if I remember my Hidden rules, unless the unit fires or does something that could compromise it location to the enemy (like move), the units will stay hidden, unless they have LOS to each other and are not in cover. Since you should be in cover to start hidden then you should not be in plain LOS of each other unless you are within the auto-spot range. So I would say that unless a spotting check is sucessfully made on the location of the units then they can remain hidden until spotted.

[Norbert Schmetz]

Hi Bob,maybe I'm blind, but I am not able to find something as an "auto-spot range" for infantry in the rulebook.Greetings,MadMan.

[Bob Benge]

Hey MadMan,The rule reference you missed is in Chapter 5 Advanced Rules, Page 5.5, 1st column, Spotting Infantry section, 2nd paragraph:"Hidden infantry are only spotted automatically if they fire within 12" and line of sight of the enemy.";)

[Norbert Schmetz]

I found that one already. Being within 12" of an enemy, in line of sight and firing isn't a good idea if you want to stay hidden. According to this rule, an infantry unit can be within even 1" of an enemy and will stay hidden, unless firing and in LOS. Thanks for this clarification,MadMan.

[Bob Benge]

According to this rule, an infantry unit can be within even 1" of an enemy and will stay hidden, unless firing and in LOS.

Actually Madman, in the soon to be released revision of the rules, this will be clarified to the following:Hidden infantry are only spotted automatically if they fire within 12" and line of sight of the enemy. Within 2" they lose hidden status."I must apologize also. The reference I gave you was from the revision of the MP Core rule book that we are working on and not the release from which you are looking. It does appear you have found the rule I was quoting though, so... :blush:

[Norbert Schmetz]

No problem. I'm used to read, understand and remember nearly all kind of "rules".I think I can persuade my friends to use the upcoming 2" infantry autospot distance from now on. Will make life a lot easier!!!Thx,MadMan.