wheeling and intercept charges

[Keef]

the picture on page 62 of the rules refers . . .

If the principes declare their charge intending to wheel to line up square with the front of the archers, could the cavalry still intercept ? (The principes could do this by moving forward slightly then wheeling to arrive at contact dead-square. Or, for the purposes of this question, assume they were slightly further forward so this was indeed possible.)

What I'm trying to determine is whether the direction of charge (whether declared or not) matters for purposes of intercepting. The rules indicate that the direction of charge is shown only when an evade is to take place. However, the direction of charges does matter for interception purposes as to whether a charger crosses a ZOI.

I know from other discussion threads that the general convention being used in practice is to show direction of charge at declaration; and which kinda resolves this particular issue nicely (ie the cavalry could not intercept if the principes wheel to square up).

Even so, it does re-open the possibility of precision (WRG 6th edition style !) manuever to permit "clipping" and make interception/ZOI quite difficult to use as shown in the diagram.

[Keef]

PS: oh, and "yes" I did read the FAQ ! The issue is more around the interaction of charge and interceptions in terms of practical application.

[hammy]

OK, the answer is a yes but...

If the legionaries could wheel to parallel with the archers then their charge would not cross the zone of interception of the cavalry and the cavalry could not intercept. But wheeling parallel would reduce the number of bases of legionaries that would contact the archers so this wheel would not be allowed forcing the legionaries to stray into the ZOI of the cavalry.

Of course the legionaries don't have to charge because foot shock troops that could be intercepted by mounted are not forced to roll.