Withdrawl from Battle

[Yojimbo252]

I was thinking about how the game system handles withdrawls from contested zones and whilst I'm not suggesting it's a big deal, I'd be interested to hear the rationale behind the mechanic.

Take a hypothetical situation where I as the defender have 3 units defending a contested area where the attackers have an equivalent force. One of my units is down to 1 pip strength and the other 2 are reasonably healthy such that with the defensive terrain I think I can hold out with just the 2 healthy units. I want to withdraw my 1 pip unit to deny the enemy a potential elimination (and VP gain) from a 'stray bullet'.

The problem I have is I cannot do so unless I activate all the units in the area which means my remaining 2 units must attack the invading forces handing them the defensive terrain benefit.

I'm wondering what the rationale was behind this? Would it have been feasible to give me the option when withdrawing that 1 pip unit whether I wanted to activate either or both the other 2? If I activate them then the combat occurs with me as the attacker as normal. If I decide not to activate the other 2, combat is not initiated but those 2 units are still regarded as spent and cannot activate again this turn?

One might argue the 2 units must attack as a 'distraction' to allow the 3rd unit to slip by. But I'd suggest if a single unit occupying an area contested by the enemy can withdraw unscathed without the need of a rearguard action, surely such a distraction is unnecessary.

Thoughts?

[s_nkarp]

We didn't want a special exception for "withdrawing with cover". If active units end up in a space with enemy units they have to fight. Otherwise you either make it easy to reinforce a defense (where 1 unit stays, one unit leaves, and another unit comes in) or start dealing with exceptions to exceptions. Tidily swapping units in and out of line was too big an advantage to the defender, and felt wrong.

[Yojimbo252]

Sounds reasonable, thanks for the insight.