Exchanging Ranks in Mixed BGs???

[Blathergut]

If, for example, you had a BG made up of 4 Roman HF + 2 attached LF archers, is there a way to exchange ranks? If the LF was up front in order to possible shoot, is there a way to move them back to the 3rd rank once close combat looms?

[hammy]

If, for example, you had a BG made up of 4 Roman HF + 2 attached LF archers, is there a way to exchange ranks? If the LF was up front in order to possible shoot, is there a way to move them back to the 3rd rank once close combat looms?

The only way to do it is by expanding then contracting which takes two moves minimum.

For the 1 dice of shooting it is hardly worth the effort.

[deadtorius]

could you not just move the rear ranks up front and let the light foot archers be moved through by the legions, although personally I think you should leave the archers up front till my troops have had a chance to pound them a little, perhaps you wouldn't have to worry about exchanging ranks then

[Blathergut]

could you not just move the rear ranks up front and let the light foot archers be moved through by the legions, although personally I think you should leave the archers up front till my troops have had a chance to pound them a little, perhaps you wouldn't have to worry about exchanging ranks then

in the early imp roman BGs, they are combined: 4HF + 2LF in one BG...so not so easy to interchange...can't just move through your own BG ranks

[deadtorius]

ahh never thought of that one well guess they shall remain skulking to the rear then

[WhiteKnight]

In general I think Hammy is right and these 3rd rank LF are best left where they are "supposed" to be. I have occasionally used them as shooters by expanding them onto a flank of an HF/MF BG, esp into terrain, but you have to be careful the BG doesn't get charged while they are still in that position!

Martin