Rules for Line Battles
Section 1: Overview
1.1. Line battles are formal events composed of two teams comprising multiple units typically organized by regiment. All participating individuals (excluding certain nominated persons) must be associated with a participating unit.
1.2. The two teams will engage each other in the appropriate manner until the round end or until a set time whereupon all remaining troops will engage in melee.
1.3. In the pursuit of a successful line battle, participating units will adopt the classes and behaviours of the units detailed below.
Section 2: Units
2.1. There are several different classes of play which participating units may adopt. In the event that a participating unit is too large, it may split into constituent units, each capable of adopting a different class.
2.2. Line Infantry – Line Infantry comprises the bulk of the participating troops in a line battle, consists primarily of line infantrymen, with a flag bearer and an officer to command. Line units may employ additional officers and auxiliary units at a proportion of one officer and one auxiliary per 3 line infantrymen. Line Infantry may proceed across the map in line or column formation, but may only fire when formed into line. Officers, flagbearers and musicians may position themselves around the line as deemed fit/. but must remain within 8 feet of the line.
Section 3: Supplementary Rules
3.1. In addition to the aforementioned limitations by class and unit, several supplementary rules are listed below. These rules should be considered to apply to all classes and units unless otherwise stated.
3.2. Charge Fire Rule – Any unit may elect to charge a nearby enemy unit, given reasonable proximity to said unit. A unit in a charge may opt to break formation and advance directly towards the enemy without the benefit of a formation. In the event of such a charge, the attacking unit must immediately cease all fusillades and rely solely upon melee weaponry. A unit receiving a charge may continue to employ its fusillade until one or more members of the line are engaged in melee combat.
3.3. Officer Aiming Rule – Officer aim isn't allowed. However. if an officer puts himself in direct line of fire/harm's way it will not be counted as deliberate OA.
3.4. Timer Rule – During a line battle event, the administration of the event may elect to impose a time limit upon regular engagement, after which point the remaining players may be asked to converge at a single point, employ only melee tactics, break formation or perform some other task in any combination as specified by the administration. Such ‘Timer’ Rules will be specified in advance for the benefit of participants e.g. "All Charge" where players engage in melee only combat to determine the round.
3.5. Unit Size Rule – A unit upon reaching a predetermined minimum size (typically 3 men or fewer) should, upon concluding any imminent engagements, proceed to join with any friendly unit of the same category, as rapidly as possible.
3.6. Spacing Rule – A unit must at all times show clear attempts to uphold shoulder-shoulder spacing in the line. The Administration will warn units that are not making clear attempts to follow this rule.
Section 4: Addendum
4.1. Definitions – A ‘foot’ of measurement should be taken to equal that distance of space on the ground occupied by an individual soldier when standing still.
4.2. Lights Lights Max 3 man spacing
4.3. Numbers/Max Line 7-30 | Lights 6-15 | Cav 8-15 | Arty 4-14
