Fire As She Bears - Trafalgar Pack PDF

The Battle of Trafalgar
21 October 1805
During 1804 and 1805, Napoleon wanted to seize the English Channel for just one week
and place a French army on British soil. To do so, the fleets of Spain and France must
combine in order to have any chance against the Royal Navy. The British Admiralty,
conducting a brilliant campaign of blockade, could not let Napoleon succeed. But the net
is never woven as tightly as the Admiralty desires, and the enemy slips out to sea. In the
Fall of 1805 Napoleon’s fleets are off the coast of Spain and poised to sail against Britain
and her allies. But French Admiral Pierre Villeneuve does not know the whereabouts of
the British fleet that has been chasing him for months. Where is his nemesis Horatio
Nelson? Off the coast of Spain, Villeneuve loses his nerve and orders his combined fleet
to reverse course and return to the safety of Cadiz. On this fateful day, in light winds,
Nelson has tracked him down.
Special Rules:
1) Nelson has issued “General Chase/Close Action” prior to the start of the battle
(British ships may enter the same octagon/hexagon as enemy ships). However, the
French/Spanish fleets will not suffer the associated -2 to gunfire unless they begin
the turn “out of command” or “out of line”. The British do not suffer “out of
command” or “out of line” penalties. The only modification to initiative rolls are
commanding admiral ratings.
2) All British ships (except Africa) must begin the game flying topgallants. Spanish
ships may not fly topgallants at any time during the scenario.
3) An individual French or Spanish ship may not alter course until she is damaged or
she begins movement within close range of an enemy ship. This restriction is
lifted the moment that the first ship (of any fleet) strikes or the wind shifts to
come out of the North.
4) French and Spanish ships may only trace command to Bucentaure. Normal
succession rules are used should Villeneuve become a casualty. Neptuno begins
the scenario leading the combined fleet.
5) The British fleet is in two divisions and therefore may designate one ship to lead
each division (Victory and Royal Sovereign at the start).
Set Up:
The scenario set up is shown for play on a hex map. For play with octagons the relative
position and distance between each ship should remain the same. Consider each hex to
represent 3” on the table top. The British fleet begins Running, while the French and
Spanish fleets are Closed Hauled. The top of the map is north. The wind is coming from
the northwest. Note: sources vary, but it has been theorized that Nelson’s squadron
stretched four miles in length, Collingwood’s three miles in length, and Villeneuve’s
combined fleet possibly nine miles in length. Sometimes such scale distances are not
practical with limited gaming space. Feel free to compress the distance between ships in
order to accommodate play.
Weather:
Starting wind is out of the northwest, light winds, with a gathering storm.
Squadrons:
In a multi-player game each player should command at least one squadron. If a player
must command more than one squadron, he should not command adjacent squadrons.
There should be a minimum of four British squadrons and no more than nine squadrons.
The Combined Fleet (France & Spain) should have no less than five squadrons and no
more than eleven squadrons. Each squadron should consist of one to three consecutive
pages of ship record sheets.
Admiral Ratings:
British (with line of succession)

Vice-Admiral Nelson – superior – on board Victory
Vice-Admiral Collingwood – competent – on board Royal Sovereign
Rear-Admiral Northesk – competent – on board Britannia
Captain John Conn – inferior – on board Dreadnought
In the event of Nelson’s death, Collingwood takes overall command of the British fleet.
French/Spanish (with line of succession)

Admiral Villeneuve – competent – on board Bucentaure
Admiral Gravina – inferior – on board Principe de Asturias
Vice-Admiral de Alava – inferior – on board Santa Ana
Rear-Admiral Dumanoir – inferior – on board Formidable
Rear-Admiral Magon – inferior – on board Algesiras
Rear-Admiral de Cisneros – inferior – on board Santissima Trinidad
Commanders listed in bold (or their successors) may write signals.
Villeneuve Nelson
Victory Conditions:
Although he paid for it with his life, Nelson’s decisive victory at Trafalgar assured
British naval supremacy for over 100 years. Nelson’s fleet took or destroyed nineteen
enemy ships. Each French or Spanish ship that strikes or sinks, counts as one victory
point for the British. Each British ship that strikes or sinks, will reduce the number of
victory points for the British by one.
Victory Point Level:

15 or more = Decisive British victory
10 to 14 = Substantial British victory
5 to 9 = Marginal British victory
0 to 4 = Draw
-5 to -1 = Substantial French/Spanish victory
-6 or less = Decisive French/Spanish victory
"Fire As She Bears!" (2nd Edition) - Ship Record Sheet
Neptuno
Spanish 3rd Rate 80 Guns Crew = Poor ( 1 )
Brigadier D. Cayetano Valdés
Topgallants (Tg) +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 Initial Broadside [Port] - [Starboard]
0 0 -1 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 0 -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 Hull
0 -1 -2 -3 -3 -4 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Bonus for Initial Broadside and Rakes at Close Range; doubled for Stern Rakes (dbl criticals)
Scipion
French 3rd Rate 74 Guns Crew = Average ( 2 )
Captain Charles Bérenger
0 -1 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Formidable
French 3rd Rate 80 Guns Crew = Poor ( 1 )
Rear-Admiral Dumanoir Le Pelley
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Intrépide
French 3rd Rate 74 Guns Crew = Veteran ( 3 )
Capt. Louis-Antoine-Cyprien Infernet
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 Hull
2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Rayo
Spanish 1st Rate 100 Guns Crew = Poor ( 1 )
Commodore Enrique MacDonnell
0 0 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
1 0 -1
Hull 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 -6 Hull
0 -1 -2 -3 -3 -4 -5 -5 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Mont-Blanc
Commodore Jean-Noël Lavillegris
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Duguay-Trouin
Captain Claude Touffet
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
San Francisco de Asís
Capitán D. Luis Flores
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 Hull
-1 -2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Héros
Capt. Jean-Joseph-René Poulain
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
San Justo
Capitán D. Miguel Gastón
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 Hull
-1 -2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Santísima Trinidad
Spanish 1st Rate 130 Guns Crew = Average ( 2 )
Rear-Admiral Hidalgo de Cisneros
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5
Hull 3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Hull
2 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Bucentaure
Vice-Admiral Pierre Villeneuve
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 Hull
3 3 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Neptune
Commodore Esprit-Tranquille Maistral
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
3 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5
Bonus > 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Redoutable
Captain Jean-Jacques-Etienne Lucas
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 Hull
2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
San Leandro
Capitán José Quevedo y Cheza
0 -1 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 Hull
-2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Indomptable
Commodore Jean-Joseph Hubert
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
3 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5
Bonus > 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Santa Ana
Spanish 1st Rate 110 Guns Crew = Average ( 2 )
Vice-Adm de Álava y Navarrete
0 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
2 1 0 -1 -2
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -3 -4 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Montañés
Capitán Francisco Alcedo
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 Hull
-1 -2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Fogueux
Captain Louis-Alexis Beaudouin
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Aigle
Captain Pierre-Paul Gourrège
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Príncipe de Asturias
Spanish 1st Rate 110 Guns Crew = Poor ( 1 )
Admiral Federico Carlos Gravina
0 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
1 0 -1 -2 -3
Hull 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 -6 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Monarca
Spanish 3rd Rate 74 Guns Crew = Average ( 2 )
Capitán D. Teodoro Argumosa
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 0 -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 Hull
0 -1 -2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Pluton
Commodore Julien Cosmao-Kerjulien
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
San Agustín
Capitán Felipe Jado Cajigal
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 Hull
-1 -2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Swiftsure
Capt. C.E. L'Hospitalier-Villemadrin
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
San Ildefonso
Capitán José de Vargas
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 Hull
-1 -2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Argonaute
Captain Jacques Epron
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Argonauta
Capitán Antonio Pareja
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 0 -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 Hull
0 -1 -2 -3 -3 -4 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Bahama
Commodore Dionisio Alcalá Galiano
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 0 -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 Hull
0 -1 -2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Algésiras
Rear-Admiral Charles-René Magon
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 Hull
2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Achille
Captain Gabriel Denieport
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Berwick
Captain Jean-Gilles Filhol-Camas
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
San Juan Nepomuceno
Capitán Cosmé Damián Churruca
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 0 -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 Hull
0 -1 -2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Victory
British 1st Rate 100 Guns Crew = Elite ( 4 )
Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson
0 0 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
9 8 6
Hull 9 8 6 4 3 1 0 -1 -3 Hull
9 7 5 4 2 1 -1 -2 -3
Bonus > 5 4 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Téméraire
British 2nd Rate 98 Guns Crew = Elite ( 4 )
Captain Eliab Harvey
0 0 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
8 7 5
Hull 8 7 5 4 2 1 0 -1 -3 Hull
8 6 4 3 2 0 -1 -2 -3
Bonus > 4 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Neptune
British 2nd Rate 98 Guns Crew = Veteran ( 3 )
Captain Thomas Fremantle
0 0 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
7 6 4
Hull 7 6 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 -4 Hull
7 5 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4
Bonus > 4 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Leviathan
British 3rd Rate 74 Guns Crew = Veteran ( 3 )
Captain Henry Bayntun
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Conqueror
British 3rd Rate 74 Guns Crew = Elite ( 4 )
Captain Israel Pellew
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 5 5 4 2 1 0 -1 Hull
5 4 3 2 0 -1 -2 -3 -3
Bonus > 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Britannia
British 1st Rate 100 Guns Crew = Veteran ( 3 )
Rear Admiral the Earl of Northesk
0 0 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
8 7 5
Hull 8 7 5 3 2 0 -1 -2 -4 Hull
8 6 4 3 1 0 -2 -3 -4
Bonus > 4 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Spartiate
Captain Sir Francis Laforey
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Minotaur
Captain Charles Mansfield
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Ajax
British 3rd Rate 74L Guns Crew = Veteran ( 3 )
Lieutenant John Pilford
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 5 5 4 2 1 -1 -2 Hull
5 4 3 1 0 -1 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Agamemnon
Captain Sir Edward Berry
0 -1 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 2 1 0 -2 Hull
2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Orion
Captain Edward Codrington
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 5 5 4 2 1 0 -1 Hull
5 4 3 2 0 -1 -2 -3 -3
Bonus > 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Africa
Captain Henry Digby
0 -1 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -2 -3 -3
Bonus > 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Royal Sovereign
British 1st Rate 100 Guns Crew = Veteran ( 3 )
Vice-Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood
0 0 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
8 7 5
Hull 8 7 5 3 2 0 -1 -2 -4 Hull
8 6 4 3 1 0 -2 -3 -4
Bonus > 4 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Belleisle
Captain William Hargood
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 5 5 4 2 1 0 -1 Hull
5 4 3 2 0 -1 -2 -3 -3
Bonus > 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Mars
Captain George Duff
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 5 5 4 2 1 -1 -2 Hull
5 4 3 1 0 -1 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Tonnant
Captain Charles Tyler
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 7 7 6 4 3 1 0 -2 Hull
7 6 5 3 2 0 -1 -3 -3
Bonus > 4 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Bellerophon
Captain John Cooke
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Colossus
Captain James Nicoll Morris
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 5 5 4 2 1 -1 -2 Hull
5 4 3 1 0 -1 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Achilles
Captain Richard King
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 5 5 4 2 1 0 -1 Hull
5 4 3 2 0 -1 -2 -3 -3
Bonus > 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Defence
Captain George Hope
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Defiance
Captain Philip Charles Durham
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Prince
Captain Richard Grindall
0 0 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
7 6 4
Hull 7 6 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 -4 Hull
7 5 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4
Bonus > 4 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Dreadnought
British 2nd Rate 98 Guns Crew = Elite ( 4 )
Captain John Conn
0 0 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
8 7 5
Hull 8 7 5 4 2 1 0 -1 -3 Hull
8 6 4 3 2 0 -1 -2 -3
Bonus > 4 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Revenge
Captain Robert Moorsom
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 5 5 4 2 1 -1 -2 Hull
5 4 3 1 0 -1 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Swiftsure
Captain William Rutherford
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Thunderer
Lieutenant John Stockham
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Polyphemus
Captain Robert Redmill
0 -1 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Calder’s Action
22 July 1805
French Admiral Pierre Villeneuve left the West Indies not knowing how many days in his
wake lay the British pursuit. While running for the Spanish coast he encounters the
blockading squadron commanded by Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Calder. In thick fog, with
light winds the two fleets approach. Villeneuve’s ultimate confrontation with Horatio
Nelson will have to wait.
Special Rules:
1) All British ships may begin the game flying topgallants. Spanish ships may not fly
topgallants at any time during the scenario.
2) The special rules for Fog are in effect for this scenario.
succession rules are used should Villeneuve become a casualty. Argonauta begins
4) Hero begins the scenario leading the British fleet. Hero was outfitted with a high
number of Carronades. She should use the Carronade special rules.
Set Up:
represent 3” on the table top. The British fleet begins Broad Reaching, while the French
and Spanish fleets are Running. The top of the map is north. The wind is coming from the
northwest. Sometimes scale distances are not practical with limited gaming space. Feel
free to compress the distance between the British ships in order to accommodate play.
Weather:
Starting wind is out of the northwest, light winds, with fog.
Squadrons:
There should be a minimum of two British squadrons and no more than five squadrons.
The Combined Fleet (France & Spain) should have no less than three squadrons and no
more than seven squadrons. Each squadron should consist of one to three consecutive
Admiral Ratings:
Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Calder – competent – on board Prince of Wales
Rear-Admiral Charles Stirling – competent – on board Glory
Captain George Martin – inferior – on board Barfleur

Admiral Pierre Villeneuve – competent – on board Bucentaure
Admiral Gravina – inferior – on board Argonauta
Villeneuve Calder
Victory Conditions:
Calder’s inconclusive victory greatly disturbed the Admiralty. Here Calder had had the
opportunity to deal the French and Spanish a decisive blow. At a court martial in
December, Calder was given a ‘severe reprimand’. The indecisive action on that July day
set in motion the events that would lead to another showdown between the fleets; this
time, three months in the future, off of Cape Trafalgar.
Each French or Spanish ship that strikes or sinks, counts as one victory point for the
British. Each British ship that strikes or sinks, will reduce the number of victory points
for the British by one.

0 to 4 = Draw
Argonauta
Admiral Don Federico Gravina
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 0 -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 Hull
0 -1 -2 -3 -3 -4 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Terrible
Brigadier D. Francisco Vázquez
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 Hull
-1 -2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
América
Capitán de Navío D. Juan Darrac
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 Hull
-1 -2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
España
Capitán de Navío D. Bernardo Muñoz
0 -1 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 Hull
-2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
San Rafael
Brigadier D. Francisco Montes
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 0 -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 Hull
0 -1 -2 -3 -3 -4 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Firma
Capitán de N. D. Rafael Villavicencio
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull -1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5 Hull
-1 -2 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Pluton
Commodore Julien Cosmao-Kerjulien
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Mont-Blanc
Commodore Jean-Noël Lavillegris
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Atlas
Capt. Andre Jean-Marie Surrendre
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Berwick
Captain Jean-Gilles Filhol-Camas
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Neptune
Commodore Esprit-Tranquille Maistral
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
3 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5
Bonus > 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Bucentaure
Vice-Admiral Pierre Villeneuve
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 Hull
3 3 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Formidable
Rear-Admiral Dumanoir Le Pelley
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Intrépide
Capt. Louis-Antoine-Cyprien Infernet
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Scipion
Captain Charles Bérenger
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Swiftsure
Capt. C.E. L'Hospitalier-Villemadrin
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Indomptable
Commodore Jean-Joseph Hubert
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
3 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5
Bonus > 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Aigle
Captain Pierre-Paul Gourrège
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Achille
Captain Gabriel Denieport
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Algésiras
Rear-Admiral Charles-René Magon
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 Hull
2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Hero
Captain Alan Hyde Gardner
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 5 5 4 2 1 0 -1 Hull
5 4 3 2 0 -1 -2 -3 -3
Bonus > 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Ajax
Captain William Brown
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 5 5 4 2 1 -1 -2 Hull
5 4 3 1 0 -1 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Triumph
Captain Henry Inman
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Barfleur
Captain George Martin
0 0 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
7 6 4
Hull 7 6 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 -4 Hull
7 5 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4
Bonus > 4 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Agamemnon
Captain John Harvey
0 -1 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Windsor Castle
Captain Charles Boyles
0 0 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
7 6 4
Hull 7 6 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 -4 Hull
7 5 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4
Bonus > 4 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Defiance
Captain Philip Charles Durham
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Prince of Wales
Vice Admiral Sir Robert Calder
0 0 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
7 6 4
Hull 7 6 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 -4 Hull
7 5 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4
Bonus > 4 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Repulse
Captain Arthur Kaye Legge
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Raisonnable
Captain Josias Rowley
0 -1 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Dragon
Captain Edward Griffiths
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Glory
Rear Admiral Charles Stirling
0 0 -1 -2 -2 -2 (Mast falls)
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
7 6 4
Hull 7 6 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 -4 Hull
7 5 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4
Bonus > 4 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Warrior
Captain Samuel Hood Linzee
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Thunderer
Captain William Letchmere
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Malta
Captain Edward Buller
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 6 6 5 3 2 0 -1 -3 Hull
6 5 4 2 1 -1 -2 -4 -4
Bonus > 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Collingwood at Trafalgar
21 October 1805
This hypothetical scenario postulates that Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson contracts Yellow
Fever during the chase of Villeneuve to West Indies earlier in 1805. Nelson recuperates
with his beloved Emma Hamilton while Vice-Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood takes
command of Mediterranean Fleet. In the Fall of 1805, Napoleon’s fleets are off the coast
of Spain and poised to sail against Britain and her allies. But French Admiral Pierre
Villeneuve does not know the whereabouts of the British fleet that has been chasing him
for months. Off the coast of Spain, Villeneuve loses his nerve and orders his combined
fleet to reverse course and return to the safety of Cadiz. On this fateful day, in light
winds, Collingwood has tracked him down.
Special Rules:
1) The Africa can operate independently of the main British fleet until she comes
within close range of another British ship. Until then she is not “out of line” or
“out of command”, nor is she counted as “out of command” for the British
initiative roll.
2) All British ships may begin the game flying topgallants. Spanish ships may not fly
topgallants at any time during the scenario.
3) An individual French or Spanish ship may not alter course until she is damaged or
she begins movement within close range of an enemy ship. This restriction is
lifted the moment that the first ship (of any fleet) strikes or the wind shifts to
come out of the North.
succession rules are used should Villeneuve become a casualty. Neptuno begins
5) Victory begins the scenario leading the combined fleet. For purposes of the ship
record sheet, with Nelson absent, Victory is commanded by Captain Thomas
Hardy. Otherwise, use the same ship record sheets from the Trafalgar scenario.
Set Up:
You must modify the set up slightly from that shown for the standard Trafalgar scenario.
For play with octagons the relative position and distance between each ship should
remain the same. Consider each hex to represent 3” on the table top. The French and
Spanish set up remains the same. Victory begins in the same spot, with each succeeding
British ship closing the gap behind her. Royal Sovereign and the rest of Collingwood’s
squadron begins in line behind Orion. The British fleet begins Running, while the French
and Spanish fleets are Closed Hauled. The top of the map is north. The wind is coming
from the northwest. Feel free to compress the distance between ships (or leave some of
the British fleet off board until they enter on later turns) in order to accommodate play.
Weather:
Starting wind is out of the northwest, light winds, with a gathering storm.
Squadrons:
There should be a minimum of four British squadrons and no more than nine squadrons.
The Combined Fleet (France & Spain) should have no less than five squadrons and no
more than eleven squadrons. Each squadron should consist of one to three consecutive
Villeneuve Collingwood
Admiral Ratings:
Vice-Admiral Collingwood – competent – on board Royal Sovereign
Rear-Admiral Northesk – competent – on board Britannia
Captain Hardy – competent – on board Victory
Captain John Conn – inferior – on board Dreadnought
In the event of Collingwood’s death, Northesk takes overall command of the British fleet.
Admiral Villeneuve – competent – on board Bucentaure
Admiral Gravina – inferior – on board Principe de Asturias
Vice-Admiral de Alava – inferior – on board Santa Ana
Rear-Admiral de Cisneros – inferior – on board Santissima Trinidad
Victory Conditions:
The decisive victory at Trafalgar assured British naval supremacy for over 100 years.
With Nelson present, the British fleet took or destroyed nineteen enemy ships. What
would have been the outcome without the “Nelson Touch”? Each French or Spanish ship
that strikes or sinks, counts as one victory point for the British. Each British ship that
strikes or sinks, will reduce the number of victory points for the British by one.

0 to 4 = Draw
Introduction:
“Fire As She Bears!” was first published in 1999 as a rule system for miniature
battles set during the age of sail. The rules went through a major revision in 2003 (2nd
Edition), with another slight cosmetic update in 2004 (2nd Edition – 2.1 Version).
The following guidelines are rules modifications for “Fire As She Bears! –
Second Edition” (FASB2) designed to allow the game to be played on a hexagon grid
like most standard wargames. In this format, FASB2 can be played as a boardgame
without miniatures. Cut-and-paste stand up counters for the main naval battles of 1805
are included in this package.
In all cases the original FASB2 rules are to be referenced for situations not
handled by these rules modifications.
Note: The terms “hex” and “hexagon” are used interchangeably throughout
these rules and are considered to mean the same thing. A “hexside” however is not a
hexagon, but rather the line that defines one of the six borders of a hexagon (ie a
hexagon’s edge).
Format:
The page reference from the original FASB2 rules (2.1 version) will be listed along with
the modification necessary for hex play. In appropriate cases, examples will be given.
Scale (page 6):

One hex equals approximately 240 yards. A ship counter occupies one hex. The bow of a
ship counter must face a hexside not a hex-spine.
Sloops (page 6):

In subsequent research after FASB2 was originally published it became obvious that we
overstated the availability of, and sailing qualities of “sloops”. For the most part a “sloop
of war” during the age of sail was actually a square rigged vessel, not sloop rigged in the
modern sense of the word. For this rules revision we are not differentiating between types
of ships. All ships are considered square rigged and will have the same sailing abilities.
Ships of the Line (page 6):

Ships of 1st through 4th Rate are no longer allowed a free turn when activated for
movement. It will cost a ship of the line one movement point for each hexside that she
turns. Frigates and Sloops are allowed one free hexside turn per movement phase.
Sequence of Play Chart (referenced on page 7):
The chart has been changed for play on a hex map. The appropriate chart is included in
this package.
Sailing Charts (referenced on page 7):

The sailing charts have been changed for play on a hex map. The appropriate sailing
charts are included in this package.
Scatter Chart (referenced on page 7):

The scatter chart has been changed for play on a hex map. The appropriate chart is
included in this package.
Combat and Critical Hit Sheet (referenced on page 7):

This chart has been changed for play on a hex map. Note that ranges are now listed in
hexes. The appropriate chart is included in this package.
What You Will Need (page 8):

Octagonal movement templates are no longer needed. Any reference to octagons in the
original rules should be regarded as if the term “hexagon” was being used. A hex grid (in
several sheets that you print, trim, and tape together) is included in this package, as are
ship silhouettes. The ships should be printed, cut apart, and folded to form stand up
counters. These counters can then be glued to wooden bases, coins, steel washers, etc. to
provide a stable base. All other items listed in the original rules will be needed (markers,
dice, cards, etc.). In addition to the counters that come in the standard “Fire As She
Bears!” rule set, you will need to print and cut out the “No Turn!” counters included in
with this pdf.
Flag Transfer (page 9):

For an admiral to transfer his flag to a new ship, the ships must be within two hexes and
the ship receiving the admiral may move no further than one hex that turn.
Determine Command and Line of Battle Status (page 10):

Any friendly ship within 3 hexes of the fleet’s flagship is considered to be in command.
Any friendly ship within 2 hexes of another friendly ship that itself is in command is also
considered to be in command. To be in a valid Line of Battle a ship must either be
leading the fleet or have her bow pointing towards another friendly SOL within two
hexes. These two SOLs must share a common course or be within 60o (one hexside) of
the same heading.
Example: (All ships are
friendly to each other.) Ship
A is automatically in the line
of battle having been
designated the fleet leader.
Ship F is the flagship. All
ships except K are in
command. Ships H, I, and J
are in command (I is within 3
hexes of the flagship). Ship B
is out of line as her bow is
not pointing at a friendly ship
within 2 hexes. Ship I is also
out of line, but J is
considered to be in a valid
line of battle, although it is
not the main line of battle.
Although ship H has her bow
pointed towards ship I, she is
out of line because both ships
(H & I) do not share a course that is within 60o of each other. Ship D is in the line of
battle because she has her bow facing B and her course in within 60o of B’s course. Ship
K is out of the line of battle and out of command, but the penalties are not cumulative.
Claiming the Weather Gauge (page 11):

To claim the weather gauge the admiral’s flagship must be at least one hex further
upwind than his opponent’s, and the fleet claiming the gauge must have the majority of
its ships in command.
General Chase/Close Action (page 12):

Ships from a fleet that has issued General Chase/Close Action are allowed to foul enemy
ships by moving into the hex that they occupy. Note: There is a maximum of one friendly
ship per hex at all times (including movement). The General Chase/Close Action rule is
the only exception that allows a ship to enter a hex occupied by an enemy ship.
(Exception: “Towing” when using the optional rules.)
Field of Fire (page 14):

A ship’s field of fire is shown in this
example. A ship may fire upon any enemy
ship that occupies or moves through any
fully grey hex or partially grey hex.
Movement (page 14):
A new sailing chart is included in this package. There are now only four orientations to
the wind. Basic movement points are shown in this example:
Movement points will differ in various wind conditions. See the sailing chart and/or
weather log. To avoid confusion you may wish to separate the sailing chart into four
sections (each representing a different wind condition) prior to play.
Note: There are no longer any special movement abilities or restrictions for sloops.
(Page 16): For each movement point that a ship has she may move one hex. Ships are not
required to move, however, if a ship does not move at least one hex she suffers certain
penalties. Ships that do not move forward at least one hex retain any Lingering Smoke
markers.
Heading Up/Falling Off (page 16):

If a ship is Running or Broad Reaching, and she has at least two movement points
remaining, she may be able to Fall Off. This rule allows a ship to actually move to the
next hex at a 60o angle for one movement point while maintaining her current heading.
She must move straight forward at least one hex prior to using her next movement
point(s) to Fall Off. If Falling Off while Broad Reaching, she must move to leeward
(downwind).
Example: Ship A is Running.
She spends one movement
point to move straight forward,
and her second movement
point to Fall Off 60o to either
port or starboard. Ship B is
Broad Reaching. She spends
one movement point to move
straight forward and her second
movement point to Fall Off 60o
to leeward (downwind).
If a ship is Broad Reaching, and she has at least three movement points remaining, she
may be able to Head Up. This rule allows a ship to actually move to the next windward
(upwind) hex at a 60o angle for two movement points while maintaining her current
heading. She must move straight forward at least one hex prior to using her next two
movement points to Head Up. Ships may not Head Up two hexes in a row. Ships may
only Head Up if they are Broad Reaching.
Example: Ship C is Broad Reaching. She spends one

movement point to move straight forward and her next two
movement points to Head Up 60o to windward (upwind).
Note: Ships that are Close Hauled may not Fall Off or
Head Up.
Turning (page 17):

SOLs no longer have one free turn when activated for movement. It now costs SOLs one
movement point to turn 60o (one hexside). Frigates and sloops now have only one free
turn each time they are activated for movement. They must pay one movement point for
each additional 60o turn.
A ship that has suffered the “Ship Fails to Answer the Helm!” critical hit must now roll
an unmodified single six sided die each time she attempts to turn. If she fails to roll a four
or greater she may not turn for the remainder of the movement phase. If she is attempting
to tack, she must first roll 4+ and then succeed at a standard tacking roll. A three or less
on the first roll leaves her in the Close Hauled attitude and unable to tack.
Ships may not turn twice in the same hex (exception: Tacking) during the same or
subsequent movement phases. If a ship ends her phase by expending her last movement
point to turn in a hex, place a “No Turn!” marker on that ship. She may not turn in that
hex during the next movement phase. She must move forward at least one hex in order to
be able to turn. Should the ship not move at all during the next movement phase, remove
the “No Turn!” marker.
Tacking (page 17):
A ship attempting to tack must begin the
movement phase Close Hauled. If the tack
is successful the ship is allowed a single
120o turn (two hexsides) through the wind
as her sole movement for the turn. (This
essentially allows a ship that begins the
turn Close Hauled two turns in a single
hex rather than just one.) A failed tack will
turn the ship 60o (one hexside) facing her
directly into the wind and placing her In
Irons.
Collisions (page 19):

A ship may never enter a hexagon occupied by a friendly ship. (Exception: “Towing”
when using the optional rules.) A ship may only enter a hex occupied by an enemy ship if
General Chase/Close Action has been issued by the moving ship’s admiral and the ship
has enough movement points to enter the enemy’s hex.
Passing a Gap (page 20):

Play on a hex grid makes the gaps in a line of battle (and the ability to sail through them)
obvious to all players.
Going Aground (page 21):

Individual hexes can be defined by the scenario to contain Class I, Class II, or Class III
shallows.
Rakes (page 24):

For play on a hex grid a rake has been redefined. A rake is any broadside at Close Range
(one or two hexes) where the target ship cannot, at the instant the broadside is fired, bring
her own guns to bear on the firing ship. Whether the target has
fired previously or not during the turn is inconsequential to
whether the broadside fired at her can be counted as a rake.
Example: In their current positions ships A and B can rake ship

T. Ship C cannot rake ship T as C is within T’s own field of
fire.
Field of Fire (page 25):
In the hex based version of FASB2, ships may still fire while
moving and/or turning.
This example shows the expanded field of fire a ship has while
turning (in grey).
Line of Sight (page 25):

A line of sight is defined as a straight line from the center of the firing ship’s hex to the
center of the target ship’s hex. Ships may only fire at targets that are in their field of fire
and not blocked by another ship. Gunfire is always blocked if the line of sight passes
through any portion of another ship’s hex (Exception: Enemy frigates and sloops never
block the line of sight to an enemy SOL). A line of sight crossing the edge of a hex (a
hexside) is not blocked unless there are friendly ships occupying hexes that border on
both sides of the line of sight.
Example: Ship of the Line A can fire at ship B.

She cannot fire at ship C unless B is an enemy
frigate or sloop.
For this example let’s assume that ships D

through G are all SOLs. Ship D can only fire at
G if one of the ships E or F is an enemy ship. If
ships E and F are both friendly to D, then ship
D cannot fire on G.
Note: Ships may not fire into a hex that is

occupied by both a friendly and enemy ship
unless the enemy ship is closer to the firing
ship.
In this example British ships are marked

with red flags. The French ship is marked
with a blue flag. Ship H cannot fire at K as
the line of sight borders hexes occupied by
friendly ships (I and J) that rest on either
side of the line. Ship K has no restrictions
and can fire at any British ship.
Ranges (page 25):
The ranges for the hex based version of FASB2 are as follows:
• Point Blank Range (ships occupy the same hexagon)
• Close Range (1 to 2 hexes)
• Long Range (3 to 4 hexes)
• Extreme Range (5 to 8 hexes)
Resolving Boarding Actions (page 26):

Boarding actions may only occur when enemy ships occupy the same hex.
Wind Direction/Intensity Change (page 27):

If the sum of two six-sided dice is 2 during the weather phase (Step 6), the wind will shift
60o (one hexside) counter-clockwise. On a result of 3 the wind force will drop by one
level. On a total roll of 11 the wind force will increase by one level. On a result of 12 the
wind will shift 60o clockwise.
If the current weather is “Gathering Storm” the wind force will increase on a dice sum of
10 or 11.
Ship Fails to Answer the Helm (page 33):

This is a permanent effect caused by a critical hit. All ships (including frigates and
sloops) must now roll an unmodified single six sided die when attempting to turn. On a
result of 4 or greater the ship turns normally (expending movement points for the turn if
applicable). If the result is 3 or less the ship may not attempt any more turns during this
movement phase. She may move straight if she has remaining movement points. The
movement point for the attempted turn (if it fails) is not subtracted from her available
movement points.
Ship Veers to Weather (page 34):

This is an effect caused by a critical hit. Unless Close Hauled, turn the ship 120o (two
hexsides) towards the wind. If the ship is Close Hauled she is only turned one hexside
towards the wind. This turn may result in the ship placing her bow directly into the wind
(going In Irons). If this is the case, the ship pays penalties as if she had failed a tacking
roll. Note: If a ship is Running prior to “veering to weather” randomly determine
whether she will turn to port or starboard. Ships at anchor will not “veer to weather”.
Ships that “veer to weather” are not marked with a “No Turn” counter.
In this example ship A is

Close Hauled, B is Broad
Reaching, and C is Running.
Each receive a “ship veers to
weather” critical hit. A is
turned 60o and into Irons. B
is turned 120o and into Irons
and C is randomly turned
120o to port (left) placing her
in a Close Hauled attitude.
Note: Ships must successfully complete a tacking roll to turn out of Irons. (This is a free
turn and an exception to the “no free turns” rule.) Failure to complete this roll does not
cause an additional penalty. Frigates and Sloops may not use their one free turn to turn
out of Irons. They still must roll.)
Forts (page 36):

Forts may not fire at ships that are within one hex of the fort. Ships within one hex of the
fort are not allowed to fire at that fort. Ships that are anchored within one hex of a fort
may launch a landing party.
Night Actions (page 36):

If a ship is on fire, she illuminates herself and any other ship within two hexes.
Fireships (page 37):

Fire will spread between two ships in the same hex.
Towing (page 38):

Ships may tow a friendly ship that begins the movement phase in the same hex. The only
time a ship may enter the hex of a friendly ship is if the optional towing rules are being
used and the stationary ship is either disabled or dismasted.
Accurate Close Hauling (page 40):

There is no procedure for sailing 67.5o on a hexgrid in FASB2. Close Hauling at 60o will
have to suffice.
Play by email:
Converting FASB2 to a hex grid will certainly facilitate play by email. For other email
games I have used the Cyberboard software (http://cyberboard.brainiac.com/) for
recording and transferring the game positions. Perhaps some intrepid soul will produce a
Cyberboard gameset for FASB2.
Special thanks to the following people (in alphabetical order) for reviewing and/or
playtesting these modifications:
Clayton Baisch
George Bernard
Ed Bolla
Michael Brewington
Gordon Colter
Mark Dornian
Chuck Hamack
Mark McDonnell
David Manley
Todd Mewborn
Mark Robinson
Any inaccuracies, inconsistencies, typos, or downright lousy rules are my responsibility

alone.
An added “thank you” to Mark McDonnell for showing me how to incorporate “Heading
Up” and “Falling Off” into the hex rules, as well as, demonstrating the need for the “No
Turn!” rule.
Added counters you will need to print and cut out for the hex based version of FASB2:
Combat Results Table
Dice Point Blank Range Close Range Long Rng B Doctrine Long Rng F Doctrine Extreme Range Dice
Total (Same hex) (1 - 2 hexes) (3 - 4 hexes) (3 - 4 hexes) (5 - 8 hexes) Total
3 miss miss miss miss miss 3
4 H miss miss miss miss 4
5 H Tg miss miss miss 5
6 H Tg miss miss miss 6
7 2H R miss F miss 7
8 2H H miss F miss 8
9 2H H or R Tg Tg miss 9
10 2H H,Tg or R,Tg Tg Tg miss 10
11 2H H,Tg or R,Tg Tg R miss 11
12 3H H,R R R F 12
13 3H 2H,R H H F 13
14 3H 2H,R or 2R,Tg R,Tg R,Tg Tg 14
15 3H 2H,R or 3R H,Tg H,Tg Tg 15
16 4H 3H or H,2R H,Tg R,Tg R 16
17 4H 3H or H,2R H,2Tg H,2Tg R 17
18 4H 3H or H,2R H,2Tg R,2Tg R 18
19 4H 3H or H,2R H,R H,R R,Tg 19
20 5H 4H or 2H,2R H,R H,R R,Tg 20
21 5H 4H or 2H,2R 2H,Tg H,R,Tg R,Tg 21
24 5H 4H or 2H,3R 2H,R H,2R R,Tg 24
25 6H 5H,R or 2H,3R 2H,R H,2R H,Tg 25
26+ 7H 5H,2R or 3H,4R 3H,R 2H,2R H,R 26+
British or American firing with a natural dice total = 3 or 4 at any range: "Ready ammunition is depleted"
French or Dutch firing with a natural dice total = 3, 4, or 5 at any range: "Ready ammunition is depleted"
Spanish or Other firing with a natural dice total = 3, 4, 5, or 6 at any range: "Ready ammunition is depleted"
A natural dice total of 15, 16, 17, or 18 results in a Critical Hit, based upon the range and doctrine.
15 3 dice critical 2 dice critical 1 die critical 1 die critical 1 die critical 15
16 3 dice critical 3 dice critical 2 dice critical 1 die critical 1 die critical 16
17 3 dice critical 3 dice critical 2 dice critical 2 dice critical 1 die critical 17
18 3 dice critical 3 dice critical 3 dice critical 3 dice critical 2 dice critical 18
H = Hull hit
R = Rigging hit
F = If French are firing treat as Tg
Tg = Topgallant hit (regardless of Topgallant status: flying or furled);
if last Topgallant was flying also treat as "Spars Fall!" critical (-3 to gunfire)
If firing at Close range the firing ship should designate the shot as firing at either the Hull or
the Rigging of the target ship before rolling dice. If two results are listed, when targeting the
Hull read the left-hand entry and when targeting Rigging read the right-hand entry.
British ships fire on the Long Range B Doctrine column.
American ships can CHOOSE EITHER Doctrine when firing.
All other nationalites fire on the Longe Range F Doctrine column. 2.1 hex
Critical Hit Targeting Table
Dice Firing at Close or Point Blank Ranges Firing at Extreme Range Dice
Total or Long Range B Doctrine or Long Range F Doctrine Total
1 No effect. No effect. 1
Signal Lines Cut & Fallen Rigging! Signal Lines Cut & Fallen Rigging!
2-3 [c] Ship may not send signals; [c] -1 to gunfire rolls due to [c] Ship may not send signals; [c] -1 to gunfire rolls due to 2-3
canvas & wreckage masking guns, except at anchor . canvas & wreckage masking guns, except at anchor.
Anchor Cables Cut! Fallen Rigging!
4-5 If at anchor, ship is now adrift. Ship may not anchor for [c] -1 to gunfire rolls due to canvas & wreckage masking 4-5
remainder of game. Also, one additional Hull hit. guns, except at anchor.
Crew Disorganized Crew Disorganized

6-7 6
[c] -1 to gunfire and boarding action rolls. [c] -1 to gunfire and boarding action rolls.
Ship Fails to Answer the Helm! Fallen Rigging!

8 Permanent effect: Ship rolls a 4+ on one die any time she [c] -1 to gunfire rolls due to canvas & wreckage masking 7
tries to turn. Failure = no turns for remainder of move. guns, except at anchor.
Ship Veers to Weather!
Crew Wavering Ship immediately turns two hexsides to weather (one
9 8
[c] -2 to gunfire and boarding action rolls. hexside if close hauled) and may go into "Irons", except at
anchor. May also be the result in a collision.
Mast Falls!
Jib Boom & Staysails Carried Away!
Ship may no longer repair "grey" rigging. Second
10 [c] -2 to gunfire rolls due to canvas & wreckage masking 9
occurrence = ship dismasted. [c] -4 to gunfire rolls due to
guns, except at anchor.
canvas & wreckage masking guns, except at anchor.
Command Casualties
If Admiral's Flagship, count as Inferior admiral for
11 remainder of battle unless scenario specifies replacement; Shrouds & Braces Split!
[c] any ship suffers -1 to gunfire and boarding action rolls. [c] -2 to gunfire rolls due to canvas & wreckage masking
Flagship will suffer both effects. guns, except at anchor . [c] -1 Rigging box if not repaired 10
during Step 7. Permanent effect: If the ship ever loses last
Ship Holed Between Wind & Water (Waterline) Rigging box treat her as dismasted.
12 [c] -1 Hull box if not repaired during Step 7; -1 to gunfire
rolls as some crewmembers are manning the pumps.
Mast Falls!
Ship may no longer repair "grey" rigging. Second
13
occurrence = ship dismasted. [c] -4 to gunfire rolls due to Spars Fall!
canvas & wreckage masking guns, except at anchor. [c] -3 to gunfire rolls due to canvas & wreckage masking 11
Crew Demoralized guns. Also, one additional Rigging hit this turn.
14 Reduce crew quality level by one grade; if crew quality
drops below Poor the ship will immediately "Strike".
Fire!
Ship may not fire guns or tack. [c] (beginning this turn) -1
15
Hull box, -1 Rigging box. Remove Men In Rigging or Yards Fall!
Longboats marker. Fire spreads on a CQ die roll of 6. [c] -4 to gunfire rolls due to canvas & wreckage masking
12+
Explosion! (roll 2d6 for immediate effects) guns, except at anchor . Also, two additional Rigging hits
Immediately mark off 1d6 (highest) Hull boxes, 1d6 this turn.
16+
(lowest) Rigging boxes; [c] (beginning this turn) treat as
Fire! All ships within 1 hex mark -2 Rigging boxes.
[c] indicates a continuing critical effect which may be ended with a successful roll during Step 7.
Ships may not attempt to end a [c] critical if they have Men In Rigging or Longboats . Ships that did not fire this turn
may roll two dice to remove any single [c] critical. (Exception: Fire! )
If description of Critical hit is followed by an exclamation mark ( ! ) it must be announced to the enemy. 2.1 hex
“FIRE AS SHE BEARS! - 2nd Edition – Hex based Boardgame Version”
Sequence of Play
1) Admirals may move their “flag” to another ship (ships must be within 2 hexes; neither ship may move more than one hex
this turn; wind levels may restrict flag transfer). “Successor” Admirals are appointed. Ships that did not fire their
broadsides in the previous turn may remove “Ready Ammo Depleted” markers. Remove “Broadsides” markers and
replace with “Lingering Smoke” markers. Forts and Anchored ships that did not fire last turn remove all “Lingering
Smoke” markers.
2) Determine “Line of Battle” status and “Command” (a clear line of sight free of enemy ships 3 hexes from the flagship or
two hexes from any other ship that is “In Command”). Ships that are “Out of Command” or out of the “Line of
Battle” suffer a -2 penalty for firing for this turn. Dismasted and Disabled ships may be used to trace command.
3) Roll for initiative (Admirals that moved their “flag” and “Successor” Admirals lose the initiative but still roll).
3 dice for Superior commanding Admirals
2 dice for Competent commanding Admirals
1 die for Inferior commanding Admirals
+1 die with the weather gauge
+1 die if the majority of ships are “In Command”
-1 to dice total for each ship “Out of Command”, “Struck”, “Dismasted”, or “Disabled”
Signal phase - (8 words with initiative, 4 words without; other players have a 3 word response). Admirals claiming the
weather gauge, whose opponent=s initiative roll is zero or less, may issue “General Chase / Close Action”. After this
signal, ships from the issuing fleet may now “foul” enemy vessels. There are no longer any “Out of Command” or
“Line of Battle” penalties for either fleet but the fleet being “chased” suffers a permanent -2 to gunfire.
4) Reshuffle the “Initiative Deck”, draw cards, and conduct ship movement and gunfire.
Draw cards from the “Initiative Deck” (1 card per squadron plus the commanding Admiral’s bonus).
Superior Admirals – 3 bonus cards; may pass 3 cards with Initiative
Competent Admirals – 2 bonus cards; may pass 2 cards with Initiative
Inferior Admirals – 1 bonus card; may pass 1 card with Initiative
When activated for movement, ships may place or remove “Men In Rigging” markers, and must place the marker if they
are attempting to tack. Ships with “Men In Rigging” may not fire broadsides. Ships that have fired their broadsides
this turn may not place “Men In Rigging”. When activated for movement, ships may place or remove a “Longboats”
marker. Ships with a “Longboats” marker may not fire broadsides. Ships that have fired their broadsides this turn
may not place a “Longboats” marker. Ships may attempt to move forward one hex or turn one hexside by
Longboats. There are weather conditions that restrict the use of Longboats. Ships that are aground may only be
moved or turned by Longboats (at double the normal cost). Longboat points carryover after a successful Longboat
activity. Accumulated Longboat points are removed when the “Longboats” marker is removed.
Move & fire ships by squadrons (ships moving in shallows test for grounding). Enemy ships may “Gun Duel” or
“Opportunity Fire” as their guns bear placing a Broadsides marker (cotton) when they do so. Ships with “Ready
Ammo Depleted”, “Men In Rigging”, and/or “Longboats” markers may not fire. Ships that move forward at least
one hexagon remove any “Lingering Smoke” markers. Ships that lose all of their Rigging sections, but are not
“Dismasted” are considered to be “Disabled”. “Disabled” Frigates and Sloops may only make one “free” turn to
change their course one hexside downwind. Ships that Strike are removed from the table.
Ships that do not move and are currently in shallows may drop anchor. Anchored ships are immune to “Formation
Scatters” penalties unless their anchors break. Anchored ships are never “Out of Line”.
Previously anchored ships may turn (if not aground) by passing a 2 dice Crew Quality Check, or attempt to cut or slip
their anchor if they have Cleared For Action.
5) Resolve “Boarding Actions”
If ships are fouled either ship may declare “Boarders Away!” Each ship rolls 2d6 plus (or minus) the current hull factor,
plus crew quality, and subtracting any critical effect penalties that affect boarding rolls. French ships add +1 to the
result. If the total for either ship is doubled by their opponent, the ship strikes. If neither side wins the action, each
ship loses one hull box. Ships that are on fire may not board or be boarded.
6) Roll for “Wind Direction / Intensity” change.
Ships that lost their last Hull box due to “Ship Holed Between Wind and Water”, “Fire!”, or “Explosion!” may sink. Any
new Squall or Gusting wind weather change (increases in wind velocity only) may “Scatter Formations”.
7) Ships with “Men in Rigging” may attempt to repair rigging and/or furl or fly Topgallants. (If not changing Topgallant
status roll two dice and take the best result.) Ships that don’t have “Men in Rigging” or in “Longboats” may attempt
to end a single critical effect or “Clear For Action”. If the ship did not fire roll two dice and take the best result.
“Fire ships” may be lit. Forts may attempt to prepare “Red Hot Shot”. Mobile ships may begin to tow dismasted
vessels. Ships that are “Cleared For Action” and have “Men In Rigging” may attempt to cut or slip their anchors.
8) Ships take damage from continuing “Critical Effects”. 2.1 hex
Weather Step 6: (2d6) 2 = wind shift counter-clockwise; 3 = wind drops; 11 = wind increases (10-11 in gathering storm); 12 = wind shift clockwise
Heavy Light Heavy Light Steady to Light Light Feeble Dead
Log Squall* Squall* Gusts* Gusts Gusting Steady to Steady Winds Breeze Calm Fog possible in Light
Turn Number CH:0 CH:0 CH:0 CH:1 CH:1 CH:1 CH:1 CH:0/1 CH:0/1 Move or Winds, Feeble Breeze,
Write wind direction in BD:3 BD:3 BD:3 BD:3 BD:3 BD:3 BD:3 BD:2 BD:1 turn by or Dead Calm.
appropriate column. RN:2 RN:2 RN:2 RN:2 RN:2 RN:2 RN:2 RN:1 RN:0/1 Longboats.
1
CH = movement factor of a
2 ship that begins the turn Close
3 Hauled. In Light Winds these
4 ships move every other turn. In
5 Feeble Breeze these ships
move every third turn (may not
6
move during "grey" turns).
7
8
This weather log to be
9
used when playing
10
"Fire As She Bears!" on
11
a hex grid.
12
13 BD = movement factor of a
14 ship that begins the turn Broad
15 Reaching.
16 RN = movement factor of a
17 ship that begins the turn
18 Running. In Feeble Breeze
19 these ships move every third
turn (not during "grey" turns).
20
21 Lingering Smoke occurs in all
22 wind conditions; cumulative
23 with gunfire reductions in
Gusts and Squalls.
24
Gunfire (cumulative) -2/-3w -1/-2w 0/-1w 0/-1w Smoke Smoke Smoke Smoke Smoke Smoke Longboats: # to move
Longboats (pts carry over) n/a n/a n/a 11 / 7 10 / 6 9/5 8/4 7/3 6/3 5/3 forward / # to turn ship.
Anchors break & Scatter 11+ 12 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Ships flying Topgallants
Tacking fail -1d6 fail -1d3 fail -1d3 ok ok ok ok ok Longboats Longboats suffer a -2 penalty to
gunfire due to a less
Formation Scatters yes * yes * yes * yes no no no no no no
stable gun platform and
Flag Transfer no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes will lose those
Signaling no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no no Topgallants in Heavy
Boarding Actions no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Gusts or Squalls.
-2/-3w = fire modifier (gunports closed due to weather); ships who are windward of their target use the greater penalty; ships also subject to Lingering Smoke penalties.
Smoke (lingering smoke obscures target) = fire modifier outside Point Blank range if ship does not move forward at least one hex; penalties are cumulative.
fail -1d6 = lose 1-6 rigging sections if tack roll is failed (-1d3 = lose 1-3 rigging sections). During "Fog" no gunfire is allowed outside of Close Range.
No free turns for frigates in "Dead Calm". During "Light Winds" or "Feeble Breeze" ships may not expend movement points in restricted orientations during "grey" turns.
* If Topgallants are flying during Heavy Gusts or Squalls all Topgallant sections are destroyed. If so, the ship also suffers a "Spars Fall!" critical. 2.1 hex
Strachan’s Action
3 November 1805
A little before noon, the French, finding an action unavoidable began to take in their
small sails, and form in a line, bearing on the starboard tack; we did the same, and I
communicated my intentions by hailing to the Captains, ‘that I should attack the centre and
rear,’ and at noon began the battle; in a short time the van ship of the enemy tacked, which
almost directly made the action close and general; the Namur joined soon after we tacked,
which we did as soon as we could get the ships round, and I directed her by signal to engage
the van: at half past three the main action ceased, the enemy having fought to admiration, and
not surrendering till their ships were unmanageable.- I have returned thanks to the Captains
of the ships of the line and frigates, and they speak in high terms of approbation of their
respective ship’s companies. If any thing could add to the good opinion I had already
formed of the officers and crew of the Caesar, it is their gallant conduct in this day’s battle.
The enemy have suffered much, but our ships not more than is to be expected on these
occasions. You may judge of my surprise, Sir, when I found the ships we had taken were
not the Rochefort squadron, but from Cadiz.
I have honour to be, Etc R. Strachan.

Special Rules:
1) All British ships begin flying topgallants. The French may not fly topgallants
during the scenario.
2) Accounts put the Namur about 10 miles behind the British main line when the
action commenced. Since this distance is hard to account for on the tabletop, use
the following rule to simulate her late arrival at the battle. Namur cannot move
until the weather roll total during Step 6 equals seven (or until any French ship
comes within long range of her).
3) Do not use squadrons for this scenario. Activate one ship per initiative card. The
British should have six initiative cards and the French should have five.
4) For the Formidable cross off the first hull box to represent damage sustained
from Trafalgar.
5) The British may fire three broadsides (unmodified die rolls) at Scipion prior to
start of battle. Fire one broadside each from extreme, long, and close range. This
represents the gunfire from British frigates Santa-Margarita and Phoenix that
occurred prior to the British SOLs engaging the French. For the purposes of these
broadsides, frigates may cause critical damage to Scipion. Also, mark off all of
Scipion’s initial broadsides as she was dueling with those frigates. The British
frigates will play no other roll in the battle.
6) British can issue “General Chase/Close Action” any time after the French flagship
suffers a visible (those marked with “!”) critical hit.
7) The French fleet may not alter course until a British SOL enters close range of
any French ship, the wind shifts direction, or a ship of either side is dismasted or
strikes.
8) British ships are never considered “out of command” or “out of line”. They are
allowed to fight independently.
9) Hero was outfitted with a high number of Carronades. She should use the
Carronade special rules.
Set Up:
represent 3” on the table top. The British fleet begins Broad Reaching, while the French
fleet is Closed Hauled. The top of the map is north. The wind is coming from the
southeast. Sometimes scale distances are not practical with limited gaming space. Feel
free to compress the distance between ships in order to accommodate play.
Weather:
Starting wind is out of the southeast, steady.
Commands:
In a multi-player game each player should command at least one ship. If a player must
command more than one ship, he should not command adjacent ships if possible.
Captain/Admiral Ratings:

Captain Sir Richard John Strachan – competent – on board Caesar
Captain Alan Hyde Gardner – competent – on board Hero
Captain Richard Lee – inferior – on board Courageux
French (with line of succession)

Rear-Admiral Dumanoir-Le-Pelley – inferior – on board Formidable
Captain Claude Touffet – inferior – on board Principe de Asturias
Captain Villegrey – inferior – on board Mont Blanc
Victory Conditions:
After barely engaging the British at Trafalgar, and with his honor somewhat in question,
French Rear-Admiral Dumanoir-Le-Pelley had a chance to redeem himself when he met
Sir Richard Strachan two weeks after the October battle. After the British chased the
French during the night of 2 November and the morning of the 3rd, it became obvious to
Dumanoir that escape was impossible. He formed a line of battle and waited for the
approaching squadron. After a brisk action, all four French ships were taken. The last
naval battle of 1805, and the destruction of the French and Spanish navies as a viable
force, was complete. Each French ship that strikes or sinks, counts as one victory point
for the British. Each British ship that strikes or sinks, will reduce the number of victory
points for the British by one.

1 = Draw
0 = Marginal French victory
-1 to -3 = Substantial French victory
-4 = Decisive French victory
Duguay-Trouin
Captain Claude Touffet
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Formidable
Rear Admiral Dumanoir-Le-Pelley
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -6
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Mont-Blanc
Captain Villegrey
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Scipion
Captain Barouger
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 Hull
1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -5
Bonus > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Caesar
Captain Sir Richard John Strachan
Rigging
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 7 7 6 4 3 1 0 -2 Hull
7 6 5 3 2 0 -1 -3 -3
Bonus > 4 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Hero
Captain Alan Hyde Gardner
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 5 5 4 2 1 0 -1 Hull
5 4 3 2 0 -1 -2 -3 -3
Bonus > 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Courageux
Captain Richard Lee
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 5 5 4 2 1 -1 -2 Hull
5 4 3 1 0 -1 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Namur
Captain Halsted
Rigging
0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 (Mast falls)
Hull 4 4 3 1 0 -1 -2 Hull
4 3 2 1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -4
Bonus > 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 < Bonus
Notes from Starboard Tack Press for the
Battle of Trafalgar Scenario Pack
Thank you for your purchase of this scenario pack. We at Starboard Tack Press
appreciate your business. Should you have any comments or questions regarding this
product please write us at support@starboardtackpress.com. Also, please visit our
websites at www.fire-as-she-bears.com or www.starboardtackpress.com.
You should find the following files in this pdf product:

Notes for the Trafalgar Scenario Pack (this file)
Cover
FASB Hex Rules
Hex CRT
Hex Map Sheet
Hex Sailing Charts
Hex Scatter Chart
Hex Sequence of Play
Hex Weather Log
Ship Counter Sheet 01
Ship Counter Sheet 02
The Battle of Trafalgar
Calders Action
Collingwood at Trafalgar
Strachans Action
Assembling the hex grid:

The 8” by 11” hex grid will need to be printed numerous times, trimmed, and assembled.
For Trafalgar and Calder’s Action you will need a final map that is 6 sheets by 5 sheets
as shown below. Strachan’s Action can be played on a smaller map (4 by 5 sheets).
If ships will end up sailing off of the map, you will need to relocate all ships to the center
of the battlefield, in their relative position and distance to each other, before continuing
play.
Assembling the ship silhouette counters:

Two sheets of ship silhouette counters are included in the scenario pack. If possible, print
these on light card stock. Cut out the individual ships and fold them as shown below.
Adhesive can be used on the inside of the counter to keep the ship from “flattening” out.
You may also want to glue the ships to washers, coins, or wood bases to keep the ships
from moving about on their own. Sneezes do not officially count as Heavy Gusts.
Converting scenario maps for use with octagons:

When using the enclosed scenarios for play with octagons, you will have to alter the set
up slightly. The relative position between the lead ships of each squadron should remain
the same. Remember, each hexagon equals 3” on the tabletop. Each scenario specifies the
sailing status of each fleet (ie the orientation to the wind; Close Hauled, Running, etc.).
Set up each ship in the squadron so that it is in a valid line of battle (exception: French &
Spanish ships at the Trafalgar scenarios) at the appropriate sailing status. For either of
the Trafalgar scenarios try to keep the relative position of the French and Spanish fleets
the same. You will note that at Trafalgar most of the combined fleet is still in command
despite the disordered set up.
Balancing the scenarios:

Certainly in 1805 the British were more than a match for any naval power of the era, with
the possible exception of the United States. The scenarios and ship record sheets included
in this scenario pack represent the superiority of the Royal Navy to her French and
Spanish counterparts. However, sometimes historical scenarios don’t make very balanced
games. For more evenhanded contests we suggest the following:
Both of the Trafalgar scenarios and Calder’s Action –

Each player (or team) secretly writes down a number of points they are willing to bid to
play the British in the scenario. The results are revealed simultaneously, with the player
writing the largest number taking the British fleet. However, prior to play he must
remove a number of ships equal to his bid. These ships must be taken from the end of the
respective line(s) of battle. If the bid numbers are tied, randomly choose which player to
take the British side, but he must still lose that number of ships.
Strachan’s Action –
Each player (or team) secretly writes down a number of points they are willing to bid to
play the British in the scenario. The results are revealed simultaneously, with the player
writing the largest number taking the British fleet. However, prior to play he must scratch
through a number of hull boxes equal to the number he bid (as if they had been destroyed
during combat). If the bid numbers are tied, randomly choose which player to take the
British side, but he must still lose that number of hull boxes. No hull boxes can be taken
from the Namur.
A Note about “Strachan’s Action” and “Action Off Ortegal”:

You may recognize Strachan’s Action (in this scenario pack) as the same battle
represented in Action Off Cape Ortegal in the FASB2.1 rule set. The Ortegal scenario
in 2.1 is basically a modified version of the same scenario from the original 1999 version
of FASB. Needless to say, Strachan’s Action is better researched, and a much more
accurate scenario than Ortegal.
Be sure to join the following newsgroups:

We hope you will continue to play and enjoy “Fire As She Bears!” We have several
newsgroups for the support and development of the FASB system (as well as future
designs).
games.groups.yahoo.com/group/FASB/ (the main newsgroup)
games.groups.yahoo.com/group/FASB2/ (related to 2nd Edition)
games.groups.yahoo.com/group/1805_Naval/ (our naval campaign game to be
released in 2005)
Please feel free to join any of these newsgroups.
Phil C. Fry
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All contents © Copyright 2005, Starboard Tack Press (www.starboardtackpress.com)

Fire As She Bears - Trafalgar Pack PDF

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Fire As She Bears - Trafalgar Pack PDF

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The Battle of Trafalgar

British (with line of succession)

French/Spanish (with line of succession)

Victory Point Level:

French/Spanish (with line of succession)

Victory Point Level:

Victory Point Level:

Scale (page 6):

Sloops (page 6):

Ships of the Line (page 6):

Sailing Charts (referenced on page 7):

Scatter Chart (referenced on page 7):

Combat and Critical Hit Sheet (referenced on page 7):

What You Will Need (page 8):

Flag Transfer (page 9):

Determine Command and Line of Battle Status (page 10):

Claiming the Weather Gauge (page 11):

General Chase/Close Action (page 12):

Field of Fire (page 14):

Heading Up/Falling Off (page 16):

Example: Ship C is Broad Reaching. She spends one

Turning (page 17):

Collisions (page 19):

Passing a Gap (page 20):

Going Aground (page 21):

Rakes (page 24):

Example: In their current positions ships A and B can rake ship

Line of Sight (page 25):

Example: Ship of the Line A can fire at ship B.

For this example let’s assume that ships D

Note: Ships may not fire into a hex that is

In this example British ships are marked

Resolving Boarding Actions (page 26):

Wind Direction/Intensity Change (page 27):

Ship Fails to Answer the Helm (page 33):

Ship Veers to Weather (page 34):

In this example ship A is

Forts (page 36):

Night Actions (page 36):

Fireships (page 37):

Towing (page 38):

Accurate Close Hauling (page 40):

Any inaccuracies, inconsistencies, typos, or downright lousy rules are my responsibility

Crew Disorganized Crew Disorganized

Ship Fails to Answer the Helm! Fallen Rigging!

I have honour to be, Etc R. Strachan.

British (with line of succession)

French (with line of succession)

Victory Point Level:

You should find the following files in this pdf product:

Assembling the hex grid:

Assembling the ship silhouette counters:

Converting scenario maps for use with octagons:

Balancing the scenarios:

Both of the Trafalgar scenarios and Calder’s Action –

A Note about “Strachan’s Action” and “Action Off Ortegal”:

Be sure to join the following newsgroups:

All contents © Copyright 2005, Starboard Tack Press (www.starboardtackpress.com)

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