Charging (Routing and Evading)

[Eques]

1) If a BG fails its CMT to charge, does that mean it is then free to move in the Manouvre stage?

2) If a fragmented skirmishing BG is charged can it evade or does it have to take the cohesion test then rout if it fails as per other types of troop?

3) If a fragmented BG breaks from being charged does the charger then have to make a VMT pursuit move, stay where it is or make a normal charge move?

4) If a fragmented BG breaks from being charged it may not be facing the same angle as its tormentor when it turns round and routs. How would the pursuit work in that case (if there is one at at all)?

Many thanks

Eques

[Robert241167]

Hi Eques, I'll try:

1/ If the BG does not move in the Impact phase then it is free to move in the Movement phase.

2/ Yes a fragmented skirmisher BG takes the test and resolves it just like heavier BG's.

3/ If a fragmented BG breaks from testing for being charged then the charging BG just moves its normal movement distance, no VMD for the charger.

4/ The broken BG would wheel to face away in the direction of the charge and then move along the same path. The pursuit would continue along the same charge path at the distance descibed in point 3.

Regards

Rob

[Eques]

Thanks Rob.

4) So no VMD roll for the charger?

[Robert241167]

Not if the BG breaks on the test for being charged whilst fragmented.

Rob

[gozerius]

The lack of a VMD for pursuing a BG that breaks as a result of failing a CT caused by a charge declaration makes no sense, since initial pursuits must roll a VMD in every other case.

[Eques]

Personally I can see the logic in it - the charger is not actually fighting with the breaking BG so does not pursue as such, it just follows through with its planned charge.

[kal5056]

I think I need a page reference for that "No VMD" opinion please.
Thank You
Gino
SMAC

[Robert241167]

Hi Gino

I'm struggling to find it but it may be in the FAQ.

My understanding is the unit breaking on the charge decleration is routing not evading so no VMD is required for the charger.

Rob

[kevinj]

The reference is page 9-19.

[bbotus]

4/ The broken BG would wheel to face away in the direction of the charge and then move along the same path. The pursuit would continue along the same charge path at the distance descibed in point 3.

To add a comment to this answer: In V1 (don't have V2 yet), the rules don't say anything about the direction of the charge but the authors in previous posts have said it is a good idea to have the charger indicate the direction of the charge before you roll for charged while fragmented.

[Robert241167]

Are you quoting V2 Kev as I'm taking it as a V1 question.

Care to confirm Eques?

Thanks

Rob

[Eques]

I was using V1, but working on the assumption this part of the rules wouldn't change.

Routers generally rout 180 to their rear but charges usually come at an angle, which is where the question mark arose.

The exact V1 wording is "If they break as a result of the test, they cause immediate cohesion tests on friendly battle groups in range, and then make an initial rout move before the chargers are moved"

I suppose you could say it uses the same principle as rout by shooting - there is no pursuit in that instance either.

[kevinj]

My reference is for V2 but the rule is the same in V1.

[bbotus]

My reference is for V2 but the rule is the same in V1.

I can't find anything in V1 that says not to roll VMD if a fragged unit breaks. However, V1 specifies when you roll VMD and a fragged break is not one of them. It was discussed in the forum a couple years ago, too.

[kevinj]

V1 specifies when you roll VMD and a fragged break is not one of them.

Exactly! The rules generally tell you when to do something, not when not to do it.

[Eques]

Also that would follow on logically as the two BGs are not in contact when the breaking occurs, as with missile fire.