Later Horse
In this next spotlight we turn our attention to the later western horse formations. In the mid mid/late 17th century there is a move towards linear horse formations, and generally speaking by 1650~ in ReG Solid Horse is disappearing. In its place the standard Horse type becomes Formed Linear Horse, which has Pistol/Pistol and Stock. The characteristic Shock grants the following –
- Free charge at 3BW.
- Combat claim in charge combat.
- Must pursue routers.
- Has Shove in the charge and melee phase
An example of this would be
The next evolution is the introduction of Drilled Linear Horse. This first occurs in around 1660/65 for the French & British (and other innovators). In addition to beneficial prompted actions, the characteristic Shock is replaced by Squadrons. Squadrons grants the following –
- Free charge at 3BW.
- Combat claim in charge combat.
- Has Shove in the charge and melee phase.
“Engaging Directly”
When fighting a frontal Charge Combat, files throw a Black dice in addition to their normal Charge dice.
Engaging Directly Black dice –
Are never modified by any combat claims.
Do not cause Shove or Shatter
So, similar to Shock with the added benefit of no longer having compulsory pursuit and has an additional black charge dice.
An example of this would be
The last evolution we see is the addition of the characteristic Disciplined, an extra 2 wounds before break. This first comes in at 1675. By the Nine Years War most Linear Horse will be Disciplined.
The very best horse may also be Sword and Pistol in addition (but still get shock rather than squadrons)
Final example
Note that the increased characteristics do come at some cost!