Napoleonic Rules (Brigade Level, 15mm)

 

Fast-Play Napoleonic Rules (Brigade Level, 15mm)

Scale & Units

• 1 unit = 1 brigade
• Each brigade = 3–6 bases (elements)
• Base suggestion (15 mm):
  • Infantry: 40×20mm (3–4 figs)
  • Cavalry: 40×30mm (2–4 figs)
  • Artillery: 1 base

Troop types

• Infantry (Line / Light / Guard)
• Cavalry (Light / Heavy)
• Artillery

Quality

• Elite (+1)
• Trained (0)
• Raw (-1)

---

Turn Sequence (IGO-UGO)

1. Initiative roll (high = goes first)
2. Player A acts → Player B acts:
   • Command
   • Movement
   • Shooting
   • Melee
3. Morale phase (both sides)

---

Command & Control

Each brigade must be within command radius (12") of its general.

If outside:

• Roll 4+ on D6 to act
• Fail = no movement, may still defend

---

Movement (simple & fast)

Unit	Move
Infantry	6"
Cavalry	10"
Artillery	4" (limbered 8")

Modifiers:

• Rough terrain = half speed
• Column +2" (infantry only)
• Cannot move + change formation in same turn

---

Formations (very simplified)

• Line → best fire
• Column → best movement, weak in combat
• Square (vs cavalry only)

Effects:

• Line: +1 shooting
• Column: +1 charge
• Square: cavalry suffers -2 attacking it

---

Shooting

Roll 1D6 per unit

Situation	Result
4+ = hit
Elite +1
Long range -1

Ranges:

• Infantry: 6"
• Artillery: 12"

Each hit = 1 base removed

---

Melee (very fast resolution)

Each side rolls:

• 1D6 + modifiers

Modifiers:

• Charging +1
• Elite +1
• Flank/rear +2
• Column vs line +1 attacker
• Square vs cavalry +2 defender

Loser loses 1–2 bases

• Lose by 1 = 1 base
• Lose by 2+ = 2 bases + retreat 6"

---

Morale (key to fast play)

Test when:

• Lost melee
• Took shooting casualties
• Brigade at half strength

Roll 1D6:

• 5+ = steady
• 3–4 = shaken (fight at -1)
• 1–2 = rout (remove brigade)

Modifiers:

• Elite +1
• Raw -1
• General attached +1

---

Victory

Game ends when:

• Army loses 50% of brigades OR
• Scenario objective achieved

---

Will this works?...well I'm not sure :o)

• Minimal bookkeeping (no rosters needed)
• Brigade scale = big battles on 6×4 table
• Compatible with most 15 mm basing styles
• Plays in 60–120 minutes

Tips for 15mm brigade games

• Use 4 bases per brigade for consistency
• Keep table at 6×4 ft
• Limit to 6–8 brigades per side for fast play
• Use simple terrain (avoid over-complication)