Pursuing through a primary ZOC.

[Zardoz02]

Simple question: why is this allowed if the primary ZOC restricts other types of movement?

[rbodleyscott]

Simple question: why is this allowed if the primary ZOC restricts other types of movement?

Because ZOCs are primarily psychological rather than physical, and pursuing units are too focused on pursuing the routers to take much notice of other threats. Likewise the pursuit goes past too fast for the ZOCing unit to make an immediate response.

[Morbio]

Simple question: why is this allowed if the primary ZOC restricts other types of movement?

Because ZOCs are primarily psychological rather than physical, and pursuing units are too focused on pursuing the routers to take much notice of other threats. Likewise the pursuit goes past too fast for the ZOCing unit to make an immediate response.

I can accept the first part of this argument about psychological rather than physical, but would pursuers be running any faster than an army could run to attack another unit? Is the defending unit any less alert for a pursing unit to run by rather than an attacking one?

[SnuggleBunnies]

I envision is as:

1) The pursuers are intermingled with their fleeing foes. Amidst the dust, yelling, and general confusion, it can be difficult for nearby units to tell what's even really going on
2) The sight of a friendly unit breaking and fleeing into rout can be stunning and paralyzing
3) Most units walked rather sedately, pausing to reform etc., only running in the last 20-30 yards, if they did at all.

Finally, from a gameplay perspective:

4) Although ignoring primary ZoC sometimes lets pursuers into advantageous positions, their uncontrolled pursuit is more likely to put them in a dangerous position, vulnerable to flank attacks and pinning.

[rbodleyscott]

Is the defending unit any less alert for a pursing unit to run by rather than an attacking one?

In my view, yes. It is a sudden unexpected event, rather than one that is telegraphed well ahead like an enemy advance.

[sIg3b]

I can buy this. Also, if anything, ZoCs are possibly a bit too strong, certainly not too weak.

[Zardoz02]

4) Although ignoring primary ZoC sometimes lets pursuers into advantageous positions, their uncontrolled pursuit is more likely to put them in a dangerous position, vulnerable to flank attacks and pinning.

The dangerous one is where a cavalry unit pursues an evading light unit through a battle line that it would otherwise not be able to penetrate.

[SnuggleBunnies]

Which is an additional good reason to have at least some reserves behind your front line - not a bad thing, I think.