Matrix Games Forums

Our group used to have a "personal leader" option that we did where you would get a "D" leader for your nation and roll a d6/2 (so 1-3) for each stat and then a d6 with a 6 getting a cav star. Made for a personal element in the game and never really killed the game balance.

Sounds good.  If we ever get a scenario editor [;)], players could implement this option.

Yes, sounds like a good idea. As this generic leader might be far (3.3.3. cav) better then some named ones, perhaps one should be able to buy him. Something like 10$ and waiting for a year. If he dies or sacked, you could by a new one.

Norden

ORIGINAL: Murat

Our group used to have a "personal leader" option that we did where you would get a "D" leader for your nation and roll a d6/2 (so 1-3) for each stat and then a d6 with a 6 getting a cav star. Made for a personal element in the game and never really killed the game balance.

This is close to ours. We rolled 4 rolls. On the first 3 (strat/tact/size) a d6 roll with 1-5 being the available stats (each 6 was a reroll). On the fourth roll a 6 gave you a cav leader. I loved it. Even fighting the d@mn 555*D British leader...sigh. It was great.

Jason

Bonus leaders should be bid for, just like countries. Create a pool of 7 leaders with stats ranging from 1 to 3 and settle it just like country bidding.

One of the reasons for the abundance of FR leaders is that the French army of the time was the only army in Europe which promoted men based on ability.
Every other armies officer corp bought their rank. It was pure luck when quality men like Wellington, Kutusov or Blucher were able to get command!
This I think was one of the reasons that WWI ended up so bloody, the basic competance of the officer corps did not advance along with the weapons. How else do you explain Archduke Franz Ferdinand advanced to the rank of Major of Hussars at the age of 25 during peace time?(note this was prior to him being named as heir to the thrown)

I like the idea of rolling for new leaders.  Works great if yours get killed or whatever.  Don't think you should be able to buy a quality general...that takes the uncertainty out of it.
 
It's like when you send your kid off to college.  There's no guarantee that that college education will amount to anything.