Waterloo: HQ variant

As always, let me start by saying that the game plays fine as is. This variant allows for a little flavor and gives a more nuanced feel. Specifically, it individualizes some of the personalities that were present at the battle. It does add a few more things to think about when you play, so there is always that balance.

"Flip" means flip block from fresh to spent. Limits action to once per turn. "Place" means to move block to a location without normal movement restrictions.

"It would not have done if I had not been there..."
During activation phase flip Wellington and place adjacent to a block and rally it, even if Corps is exhausted, even if unit is adjacent to an enemy. Block may still move if eligible.

"Bravest of the Brave"
Add a "Ney" HQ block to the French OB. At any time during the activation phase, flip Ney to place him adjacent to a block, that block may charge, as per the rule. Even if it has already moved (or charged!) and even if it is not ordinarily eligible to charge. If unit is backed up, both units may charge and resolve combined combat. Ney block has no other function.

Add a "Druout" HQ block to French OB. Druout activates when guard chit is drawn and may provide command to any Guard unit within range. Druout may not Alter Turn Order.

Essentially, this is a bump to Both Napoleon and Wellington. I have played several games using this variant. I find it fun and balanced. Let me know if your mileage varies!


Rationale

Wellington was very hands on and was seemingly everywhere he needed to be, especially when it came to steadying the line. This rule reflects this.

Napoleon was no longer at his best and was strangely uninvolved with the battle as it unfolded. At least, when compared with the Napoleon of the past. Although Ney was also behaving less actively than in the past, he still was taking initiative and "leading from the front." He seemed to want to die in battle at Waterloo yet he remained, miraculously, free of serious injury.

Units of the Guard were dispatched all over the battlefield to handle crises. To better reflect this, General Druout is able to extend the effective range within which the Guard Corps can operate offensively.