deployment behind fortifications

[expendablecinc]

I was queried in a game whether troops could be deployed behind Field fortifications closer up to 15 inches from the baseline even if they are not touching the fortifications.

I had always thought that you'd have to be Defending the fortifications (in front edge to rear edge contact with the FF. This simulates the troops in an advance post base hunkered down waiting to sally forth or for the rest of the heavies to arrive).

Looking at the rules however - I think it referred to 'behind' the fortifications rather than defending them.

'Behind' is used elsewhere in the rules (eg rear support) and it was argued that the fortifications could be intended to create a larger safe zone. This looks all wrong on table when its only 1 or 2 FF but seems reasonable when its a longer line with more secure flanks (creating a litte redoubt similar to the fortified advance BUA in DBx days).

Theres logical justification for both interpretations however the rules terminology suggests the latter (behind but not necessarily touching).

The problem with this interpretation is that with a single FF I can simply place the FF side on to the base edge at 15" and then deploy the bulk of my army at 15" across 4 foot of the table 'behind' the fortification. Two FF facing each other, side on to the base edge opens up the whole table line 40 mm deep as a potential deployment area.

Anthony

[petedalby]

I agree it is open to interpretation but I've only ever seen troops actually in contact with FF deployed forward.

Anything else is taking the p*** - as your excellent example demonstrates all too well

Pete

[shall]

We clarified this somewhere

BGs must be entirely behind and in edge contact and aligend with FF
so

...FFFFFFFF...
...AABBBB...
...AA
...AA

Is fine behind 6 bases of FF say.

Si

[petedalby]

You clarified 'defending' a fortification in the FAQ, but for some the deployment question is still open to abuse.

Pete

[shall]

Ok well tae the above a the answer. If I am umpiring they will certainly be limited that way. I am sure TS and RBS agree (taking life in hands an all that).

Si

[DaiSho]

The problem with this interpretation is that with a single FF I can simply place the FF side on to the base edge at 15" and then deploy the bulk of my army at 15" across 4 foot of the table 'behind' the fortification. Two FF facing each other, side on to the base edge opens up the whole table line 40 mm deep as a potential deployment area.

Anthony

Then they aren't 'behind' the FF. They are in echelon to the FF, which isn't the same thing. I can see where they would be coming from. In a 100m sprint there is a leader, and everyone else is 'behind' them even though they aren't directly behind then, but this is really pushing the rules for an advantage.

Ian