BG Louis XIV later

[bawawa]

Sorry if already asked, didn't find answer
What is the interest of the BG with 5 MF musket* impact foot bayo and 1 pike ?
are the 2 outboard files protected ?
Who can fire ?
Is it only to match historical feature ?
Is the pike at the front rank ?
Many thanks
Eric

[ravenflight]

Sorry if already asked, didn't find answer
What is the interest of the BG with 5 MF musket* impact foot bayo and 1 pike ?
are the 2 outboard files protected ?
Who can fire ?
Is it only to match historical feature ?
Is the pike at the front rank ?
Many thanks
Eric

Assuming you're at least in corner to corner contact with the pike, all files are protected. If you stupidly put your formation in a single rank, then the outer files (the ones not in contact with the pike) would not be protected.
You have 5 dice of shooters at close range. You get all of the front rank (3 dice) and 1:2 of the rear rank (1) = 4 total dice.
P33 states that the pike must be the centre and rear most file.

[bawawa]

Ok I didn't know we can put the pike at the rear ! in that case that's fine !
THX

[ravenflight]

Ok I didn't know we can put the pike at the rear ! in that case that's fine !
THX

Yeah, you can, and in fact I think 'you must' if I read P33 correctly

[madaxeman]

The pike (can) move to the front when in combat too

[ravenflight]

The pike (can) move to the front when in combat too

I guess if they are in combat in certain circumstances it may make a difference... like if the Pike were armoured etc.

So, if they do move to the front in combat do they automatically move to the rear if/when they defeat their enemy?

(and by asking this question, I don't want anyone to be under the misconception that I like my pikes in my rear!)

[deadtorius]

moving the pike to the rear is part of reforming, it occurs at the beginning of either players turn, a BG not in a proper formation reforms to its correct formation as per the rules. I believe in melee the pike moves up front then the BG will reform after the melee is over.