Slitherine

I know that units defending an obstacle in combat only retire when broken.

But if a unit behind an obstacle gets a retire result from shooting (obstacle but not cover; e.g., a stream/river), does it retire? Or does it stay in place and only retire if broken?

I believe units only hold at an obstacle against cavalry. If they are disordered or wavering, whether from shooting or fighting, against infantry they must retire. At least that's how I read the Outcome moves table.

p. 80, 2nd last and last bullets:

-defending infantry will not retire unless they become Broken
-defenders do not pursue defeated enemy

sounds like they ignore retire results, somewhat like troops occupying a building. You have to break the buggers to make them leave the obstacle.

But that's only when combat is involved.

*bumps this*

Still asking: Do units retire from shooting when defending along something like a river/stream?

Good question and one I certainly have an interest in obtaining a definitive answer to as I am preparing to try and dislodge a Russian army ensconced behind a waist deep river.

However, on close reading of the Firing section, I didn't see anything which would affect the normal shooting outcomes. Assuming a river which must be at least 2MU wide, shooting across will never break a unit. But, I didn't see anything which would change the requirement of an Outcome move if the unit is reduced to Broken by such fire. Of course, there is the distinct possibility that I have overlooked something in my review of the rules...

I can't think of any reason why a unit couldn't be driven back from a river bank by volume of fire.

My 2 cents.

Kent

Agreed. I think that is how it reads. I had just thought I'd clarify when I was setting up the little scenario.

See my reply to the "Question about obstacles" post.

Basically, units retire from all obstacles as normal unless they are being assaulted by cavalry.
Usually they get some cover benefit so are less likely to take the 4 hits required.