Flank/Rear Intercepts

[BryanO]

Hi

In a recent game I had a bit of confusion about flank/rear interception charges. Can someone help explain what would happen in this situation:

An Austrian cavalry unit declared an Assault against a French Artillery battery to it’s front. All OK so far, but to the flank/rear of the Austrian cavalry there was a French cavalry unit that then declared an intercept charge (they were within 4MU of the Austrian flank/rear).

Page 31 says the interceptors must get in a position to block the original assault, otherwise no intercept is possible. As the Austrian cavalry would be assaulting away from the French intercepting cavalry, the French were not going to ever be able to get in the way, so the intercept was not possible?

However the rules go on and seem to say that flank/rear intercepts are possible so, excuse my ignorance, can someone walk me through how this could happen please?

Thanks!

[BrettPT]

Hi Brian
An easy one!
Interceptors move before assaulting units.

So:

Firstly (IMO), the French Artillery need to react to being charged - ie take a CT to stand. However, regardless of whether they pass or fail, they will not be contacted and will not have any defensive fire because:

1. The intercepting frog unit is moved 4MU into the flank of the Austrians before the Austrian cavalry move
2. The Austrians have been contacted ('blocked') by the interceptors, so they their assault move doesn't go ahead.
3. The Austrians drop a cohsion level for being caught in the flank and the +/- PoAs will apply.
4. The Austrian cavalry (no doubt) rout - leaving you wishing you had never declared the charge in the first place!

Cheers
Brett

p.s. - I haven't forgotten about organising a South Auckland guys v North Shore guys FoGN bash - I'm just un-organised. Let's try to jack something up in for the next month or so.

[pugsville]

the rules clearly state that intercepts that prevent contact the charges cancel; all test or response by the original target.

[BrettPT]

Thanks Pug

So no test needed by the origianl artillery target.

- teach me to comment without a set of rules in front of me!

Cheers
Brett