Reforming in Combat

[TERRYFROMSPOKANE]

Please look at the lower diagram on page 72, focusing on the Cv BG attacking the Roman right. The text on page 70 says, "If as a consequence of previous events...a BG is no longer in normal formation, it can reform..." There are some exceptions listed on page 23, but being in combat while not fighting in two directions is not among them. In fact #3 says, "A compulsory move ...can temporarily force a BG out of formation until it reforms." This seems to indicate a BG can reform in such circumstances as shown on page 72.

1. Since reform is the first action in the Maneuver Phase, should the Cv BG in question actually reform from its initial charge configuration BEFORE conforming?

2. If "no" to #1, could the left hand file of the Cv BG reform from its final position into a normal overlap position in the following Maneuver Phase?

3. Am I missing something that exempts a BG in melee from following the normal reform rules?

Thanks, Terry G.

[expendablecinc]

Please look at the lower diagram on page 72, focusing on the Cv BG attacking the Roman right. The text on page 70 says, "If as a consequence of previous events...a BG is no longer in normal formation, it can reform..." There are some exceptions listed on page 23, but being in combat while not fighting in two directions is not among them. In fact #3 says, "A compulsory move ...can temporarily force a BG out of formation until it reforms." This seems to indicate a BG can reform in such circumstances as shown on page 72.

1. Since reform is the first action in the Maneuver Phase, should the Cv BG in question actually reform from its initial charge configuration BEFORE conforming?

2. If "no" to #1, could the left hand file of the Cv BG reform from its final position into a normal overlap position in the following Maneuver Phase?

3. Am I missing something that exempts a BG in melee from following the normal reform rules?

Thanks, Terry G.

If you reform first and then apply any conforming someone is sure to argue that the reform will break contact with the enemy for a some files of the BG and then that the conform is only to the BG that remains in contact.

[gozerius]

Pay close attention to the requirements for reforming. When you reform you line up all bases with the furthest forward base facing that direction. So it is impossible to reform in this situation. The stepped forward base is the furthest forward. You cannot reform if there are intervening obstacles (the enemy BG). You do not reform backwards, so the stepped forward base cannot be slid back in line with the other bases.