Fate and Desparation

The Advanced Squad Leader game models not only WWII squad-level combat on a technical level. It also tackles deep existential themes which have tortured human beings for centuries. Two of these are the concepts of Fate and Desperation.

The concept of Fate or Fortune is one very appropriate to ASL. How many games have been decided by the dice? It may sometimes feel as though they have granted victory to some, and defeat to others, with no regard for one's skill.

Fortune in antiquity and through the middle ages was considered a randomizing factor in people's lives. Fortuna was a Roman goddess, often portrayed as blind, who unceasingly spun a wheel which determined one's lot in life. Not unlike our beloved red and white dice.

The word "fate" in the ASL Rulebook is a technical rules-term but is also used in other rules sections when ruling on those instances when different units "share the same fate." Here are all the mentions of Fate in the rulebook:

A10.6 - it is the only possible penalty for a rally attempt.

A10.64 is the ruling on Fate.

The Icy Hand of Fate: When Extreme Winter is in effect, fate reaches farther. Squads casualty reduce on rally rolls of 11 or 12, not just 12. (E3.742)

11.611: Passengers and Crews must share the Fate of their vehicle in Close Combat

Fate is mentioned in 19.1 as one of those things which can wreck a unit.

Fate is mentioned in the example accompanying C3.32. The fate of all affected units will be resolved on the 6 column of the IFT table.

C10.11. A hooked-up gun and its vehicle are considered one target and thus have the same fate.

C10.4 The above consideration also applies to trailers. They share the fate of their vehicle.

Footnote C15, concerning duds: the dud rule "encompasses another minor aspect of fate."

D6.9 Survival: PRC all make a crew survival check to determine their fate separately in the event the vehicle is destroyed by fire. This doesn't apply to close combat, however; wherein only riders are granted a fate of their own.

Also, passengers usually suffer the same fate as the boat on which they are riding.

Desperation doesn't appear to have the same grand philosophical pedigree. Etymologically the word breaks down to "loss of hope." I suppose squads suffering DM don't see the point of going on in life and they need an extra turn (usually) to think about it and ponder the nature of war for a bit.

A10.62 - Desperation Morale. Everyone knows about this. Desperated squads may also be called "Doughnut Men" or "Death Metal squads."

The Heat of Battle rules also model "acts of desperation borne of heroism or despair."

Desperation Penalties: firing a light anti-tank weapon in desperation will negate case C(3). However, such fire may destroy one's own soldiers (C13.81)