Slitherine

Ok I will simplify this as much as possible:

You have a BG (A) that breaks.

Behind this BG are 2 others (B) and (C)

(B) is closer to the broken unit and slightly to one side. (C) is a couple of base depths further behind.

When (A) starts its rout move it must shift 1 base dept to avoid (B) which it really does not want to disrupt. Now however (C) is in the path.
To shift or drop back bases to avoid (C) will violate the maximum move of 1 base width for any base.

I really do not mind bursting through (C).

Can I choose to use my shift to avoid (B) then burst through (C) or does the fact that I cannot complete my rout move with a one base shift negate the ability to shift in the first place to avoid (B)?

I can see both sides of this argument and would appreciate clarrification / discussion.
Thank You
Gino
SMAC

If your rout move is sufficent to reach C and you cannot shift to avoid it then you cannot shift at all.

P67 right hand column, my emphasis "If the above would not allow all front rank bases to complete their evade move the battlegroup must instead burst through ......"

Correct

Either shifts or drop backs get you to your destination or you don't bother and take the direct path their through whatever is inthe way - in this case bursting through B and C.

This is both simpler and more logical - otherwise imagine having 10 BGs all slightly offset - you would evade with 10 shifts a full 18MU to one side!!!

Si

Can someone please clarify if a BG can both shift up to one base width and then drop stands back to pass another BG during a rout.

I have discussed this locally and have been given both answers.

Some argue that the shift up to one base width would prevent the stands dropping behind as they would then exceed the movement allowance, others say that the battle group can shift and as long as the stands only move one base width ie to fall in behind the stand beside it.

I dont know whether it is an "and" or an "or" or even an "and/or"?


Keith

Providing no base moves more then one base width sideways in slide, shift or drop back they can do all. e.g. a BG 2 bases wide could get through a 1 base wide gap directly to its rear.





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Each of bases shifts half a base width, but one of them must also drop back to get through as they both can't shift at the same time.

(Although dropping back is a bit of a misnomer as it stands and waits until it can slide further across, not getting closer to the chasers, but formation changes cannot allow you to get further from chasers either.)

A BG can indeed both shift upto 1 base and drop bases back but no individual base may move more than one base width sideways.

Consider:
If evading or routing up the page base a will shift right half a base, base b will shift left half a base, bases c and d will follow and the end result will be a column.

Compare with:
In this case in odrer to pass the gap baes a and c would end up moving more than a base sideways.

You cannot shift one way a full base and then contract in the same direction as some bases will have moved more than the 1 base limit.

Thank you it is now clear at last.

So a 8 base pike block at the end of a pike line that has been charged in the flank will rout through the pike BG next to it as it would require a shift of more than one base width to get clear.

Cheers Keith

Oh Yes. If you're expacting a flank charge to happen step that BG forward 45mm if possible. This means they will route past the BG behind them, contracting and shifting, and the chasing enemy BG will not normally hit the next BG in the flank, as it will not be a legal flank contact.

philqw78 wrote:, and the chasing enemy BG will not normally hit the next BG in the flank, as it will not be a legal flank contact.

Um it really depends on the particular positions I would not use that as a general rule. I get what you are saying but could equally not be.

Its not a general rule, but if you are getting charged in the flank you need all the bits of help you can get.