Rules, basing and unit density

Jasper asked if I was reverting back to 6-figures per base for my 1775 British and I thought a quick post about my rules and basing scheme would be in order.

Unit density plays a role in my rules.

Most formed infantry are based as 6 figures on a 60mm wide base and I class this as density "6". Other densities are therefore the number of figures per 60mm of frontage. 

Close order infantry are also based 6 figures per base but in this case the bases are 50mm wide and the density counts as "7".

I apply the same "+1 density for 50mm bases" to other units. Thus getting the following examples:

Density 7= 6 figs on 50mm frontage

Density 6= 4 figs/40mm or figs/50mm or 6 figs/60mm frontage

Density 5= 5 figs/60mm or 4 figs/50mm

Density 4= 4 figs/60mm

Density 3= 3 figs/60mm

The mix of fontages is mostly to help base units to look attractive, with officers etc in the middle and usually an odd number of bases.

Which density I choose is dependent on my opinions but Hessians tend to be 7, loyalists and continental regiments 6, post 1776 British 5, "pure" skirmishers such as jagers 3. Density 4 is for less disciplined skirmishers, or just when it looks better (most riflemen I base this way). It's best not to get too hung up on these things. Spacing the bases apart by a cm or so drops density by one level, so other views can be accommodated.

Unit size still depends on number of figures: tiny (6), small (12), average (e.g 15, 16, 18 or 20) etc; rounding off as appropriate. This is similar to Black Powder.

When shooting a unit is hit on die rolls less or equal to its density, so skirmishers are hit on rolls of 1-3, close order infantry on 1-7. Rolls might use d8, d10 or d12 depending on cover etc.

In melee a unit must make rolls equal to or less than its own density, so now close order infantry hit on 1-7 but the skirmishers only hit on 1-3. 

Density also affects movement. Infantry move 12"-density. Skirmishers therefore move 9", close order infantry just 5".

This visual approach makes games flow quickly. They might not be for everyone but they work for me and the units look "right" without the need to spread bases  out very often.

As you'll be unsurprised to hear, the rules aren't quite that simple but hopefully this explains the basing you see on the blog photos.

Cheers!