Ageod WW1 Manual Cover.qxd

At the end of the first round, the 2nd fleet reinforces the battle, at long
range (L). This is automatic if they have the same mission (and
unsurprised). If not or surprised, roll an Intervention check.
“T” = Trap
Each fleet engages all its ship squadrons within shooting range. The battle
goes on for an unlimited number of rounds.
The Trapping admiral is the admiral benefiting from surprise. His opponent
is the Trapped admiral.
Trapped admiral penalties:
● He cannot withdraw during the 1st round.
● He must wait until the end of the 2nd round, with a -1 penalty, to
attempt to reinforce with his 2nd fleet (no penalty afterwards).
Trapping admiral:
● He automatically gets the Tactical Advantage during the first two
rounds. At the end of the 1st round, he may bring in the 2nd fleet
(same mission), no roll. The 2nd fleet’s range is long range (L). If the
2nd fleet has a different mission, roll an Intervention check.
● Submarines (SS) at range (2 seas), may randomly rendezvous at the
trap (50% chance). If yes, at the Torpedo step of the 1st round (after
all fire salvoes), submarines attack. The enemy cannot reply. Range is
determined randomly, 50% chance it will be S, 50% will be M. Each
submarine target is determined randomly, according to the following
priority: B, BB or BC first; then AC > CL > DD.
14.3.9 The Faster Fleet
A Faster fleet may limit or even withdraw before the naval battle. There is
50% that, when the scout fleet (faster) meets a huge battleship fleet
(slower), it enters in a limited battle, or it may withdraw.
● Limited battle: The scout fleet engages a naval battle, as above. But
the enemy may only engage the number of ship squadrons equal to
the scout fleet ones (ex. the scout fleet has 3 ship squadrons only,
then the enemy engages 3 maximum too).
● Withdraw: The scout fleet may engage in a limited battle or withdraw
and retreat (battle is over) or withdraw and keep contact without a
fight because he expects 2nd friendly fleet interception soon, to
engage the battle (at long range).
If there is no fight, there is no naval battle (so, no winner or loser).
14.4 Engaging in Naval Combat
Naval battles are extremely costly in terms of NW for the loser, as, like it
was in that age, the battleships are true national pride items and loss of
them is a decisive blow to national morale.
14.4.1 Summary and Sequence
The naval battle rounds follow the steps below.
1 - Advantage determination: Tactical, Aggressive, React
2 - Fire Range determination
3 - Changing Engaged Squadrons
4 - Fire Salvoes (1st and 2nd shots) (and Survival Tests)
5 - Torpedo Attacks (free, but only once per fleet)
6 - Repairs at sea (and admiral KIA checks)
7 - 2nd fleet Intervention (if any)
8 - Retreat (and Pursuit)
This complete sequence constitutes a “combat round”. Note that in a long
battle, rounds #4 and 5 are night rounds (where salvoes are much less
efficient, but torpedo attacks more dangerous). A naval battle lasts as many
rounds as the players want to (or can) fight.
14.4.2 Presentation and Steps
Each player gets all his 1st fleet ship squadrons (the scout fleet) and can
form his “line of battle” with BC, BB and B. AC types may be added if in
range (M or S). The other CL and DD are ignored (except if at range S),
and are left in the rear section of the battle window.
Note that the 2nd fleet (if any) may reinforce the battle later (through a test),
at end of each round, depending on the battle type.
Submarines (SS) do not take part in the battle except during a “Trap”
battle (See 94.H).
Step (1): Advantage Check
Each side selects one “Advantage” (in secret): Tactical,
Aggressiveness, or Reaction. There is a random test made,
where the Admiral value corresponding to the choice is added,
plus extra bonus depending on the type of encounter, speed
advantage and round.
● Type “C” encounter provides a +1 bonus (rounds 1 and 2).
● The faster fleet (if any) has a +2 bonus.
World War One: La Grande Guerre 1914-1918 73