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Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 10:04 am
by Ursa MAior
A bit extebding the questions asked here
tm.asp?m=935295

How does the chits get translated into figures in numbers? Or does cEiA use numbers to show unit strengths, already? I am a bit confused.

RE: Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 12:09 pm
by Windfire
I believe it is up to the player to convert the chit strength to miniatures, fight the battle and then convert the remaining miniature strength back to chit strength. The miniature rules for Napoleons Battles already has a system (blue expansion of the 1st edition rules)for converting EIA chit strengths to miniatures and back. The basic concept they use is that each strength point equates to so many points to buy miniatures. There is then an allocation for artillery and light infantry as a percentage of the force. Guard/grenadier chit strength converts to elite units. Cavalry converts to cavalry and artillery (French and Russian) to artillery. They have predefined generals for each corps with what appears to be some relationship to historical generals even though they don't specifically name them. I haven't tried a conversion yet, but it looks very playable and should allow CEIA to be an excellent campaign system that frees the players from all the record keeping burdens of a paper campaign. Looking forward to using the game as a campaign system for miniature battles.

RE: Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 12:48 pm
by Ursa MAior
THX for the answer. I look forward too.

RE: Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 7:17 pm
by Kai
I just hope that the same opportunities will be available for ship combat as for land combat.

I want to use EIA as a campaign system for both land and sea miniatures battles.


RE: Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2006 3:12 am
by gazfun
ORIGINAL: Windfire

I believe it is up to the player to convert the chit strength to miniatures, fight the battle and then convert the remaining miniature strength back to chit strength. The miniature rules for Napoleons Battles already has a system (blue expansion of the 1st edition rules)for converting EIA chit strengths to miniatures and back. The basic concept they use is that each strength point equates to so many points to buy miniatures. There is then an allocation for artillery and light infantry as a percentage of the force. Guard/grenadier chit strength converts to elite units. Cavalry converts to cavalry and artillery (French and Russian) to artillery. They have predefined generals for each corps with what appears to be some relationship to historical generals even though they don't specifically name them. I haven't tried a conversion yet, but it looks very playable and should allow CEIA to be an excellent campaign system that frees the players from all the record keeping burdens of a paper campaign. Looking forward to using the game as a campaign system for miniature battles.
I would be very interested in seeing this, where can I get or see and copy of this?
Im testing for Marshall at the moment and using a popular RTS (Cossacks2 and editor)battlefield software for resolving battles at the moment. Iam converting EiA stats now for testing but would like to see an alternative.
Please email me or contact me "garry" at this site www.thegeneralshq.org

RE: Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2006 3:52 pm
by Windfire
The campaing rules are in the second expansion for the original Napoleons Battles. You can find copies of it for sale at a couple of places on the internet and on e-bay. On the internet or ebay search for "Napoleons Battles Module 2" and you should get a couple of hits. The module is an expansion book to the first edition rules, it has a blue cover with the title Napoleons Battles on it. The module 2 is in smaller text in an image on the cover. The module is not stand alone, so if you want to convert to Napoleons battles you must obtain a copy of the game as well.

At a top level

In the module they take the EIA strength points, multiply by the EIA morale value and multiply by a factor of 5 to determine the points available to buy troops. These points are then used to purchase the miniatures for the battle. The leaders ratings are predefined by which corps are in the battle. The factor of 5 is a scale factor to determine the amount of troops on the table, it can be modified as needed. For Napoleons Battles factoring in the EIA morale to the points available is important as each unit in the game has varying costs depending on nationality and year. BY factoring in the morale high morale nations obtained the approximate appropriat amount of forces. I don't know the system you are using, but you may be able to convert each EIA strenght point directly to xx miniatures.

Guard Strength Points = Guard/Grenadier Infantry and Guard Artillery (Foot and Horse)
Cavalry Strength = Cavalry units
Infantry/Militia = Infantry units and Artillery (Foot and Horse)
Artillery (French and Russian) = Artillery

A percentage of the cavalry is allocated to heavy cavalry and guard cavalry. A small percentage of the infantry is allocated to artillery (Foot and Horse). Various nations have special rules to reflect armies of the period. For example the British can only spend 50% of what everyone else is allocated for artillery and the Russians are allocated 50% above the rest. Another example is the Turkish feudal corps are restricted to feudal troop types.


RE: Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 11:29 am
by gazfun
I thank you for your prompt information. I will get myself a copy here in Aus I hope. I saw a copy on ebay in the US asking $10.00 for it, which is about $13.50 Aus Dollars

RE: Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 2:06 am
by gazfun
Its a pity these rules are still not in print.
especially all I need is the EiA conversions

RE: Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 4:52 am
by Windfire
You can still find copies of the blue module for sale on the web and e-bay, with the caveat of having to pay the shipping. There used to be a group of Napoleons Battles players in Australia. (don't remember where so it may be problematic based on distances involved). However, if you can get tied into them, you might be able to take a look at the book that way to see if you want to get a copy. They used to have a site (AUSWAR was the name I think), but I can't find it when I surf anymore. There is a yahoo group mail list for Napoleons battles that you can join and post to see if anyone is in the same area that you are. Caveat - don't use a primary e-mail account as Yahoo sells the e-mail addresses and the account you use will start getting SPAM.

RE: Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 6:00 pm
by gazfun
Yes thanks Windfire, am chasing up that avenue right now.
BTW I picked up a Set of Empire Rules by Getz and Bowden best rules for minitures I have ever seen

RE: Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:23 pm
by gazfun
Also Windfire if someone has the EiA conversion chart on the inside cover of the Napoleons Battle Module 2 to attach to me Id appreciate that too big time..........anyone please!

RE: Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 5:53 am
by gazfun
hey Windire, I finally got myself a copy of EiA conversions

RE: Using miniatures to play battles in cEiA

Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 1:59 am
by Windfire
Glad to hear it. Aside - it was always available for purchase on the web :).