Question on Core, Optional, and Allies

[Billpete002]

Now I've read through the main rule book and through Storm of Arrows and I couldn't find a rule describing these. I understand Core means these are what the army would take normally but are there restrictions on Optional and Allies?

I remember reading about Allies not getting the command bonus from generals or something along those lines, but nothing about % or amounts you must take or is this just "take whatever you want to make your army 'look' cool/be historical!"?

----Other stuff-----

I also wanna say after reading the rules and being a long time WAB/40k/WF player this is refreshingly good rules, quick, easy, and enough "meat" to make some interesting games. The ranges were a surprise, but I suppose I'll get use to 6" longbow fire

Finally, I wanna commend you guys on quick replies to emails and good customer service. I asked about wallpapers for the artwork shown in the books/website and it's being asked/worked on and I got a reply within hours. That's better service than GW - and from what I've seen with the polls and good replies on the forums you guys know what you're doing and certainly will get a lot of players! I for one will try to advertise Storm of Arrows at my local shops

Cheers!

[hammy]

The army lists have separate lists for allied contingents. Not everything in the main list can be in the ally and it varies from list to list. Not every army has allies list as not all armies can be used as allies.

If you take the Parthian list for example, while a Parthian army can have upto 18 cataphracts an ally can only have 8 and the numbers of light horse archers are similarly reduced. Each allied contingent must be led by a general and only he can affect the troops under his command.

[rbodleyscott]

I understand Core means these are what the army would take normally but are there restrictions on Optional and Allies?

There are no restrictions on the use of optional troops other than the specified maxima and any date or similar restriction specified in the list. There may be additional restrictions in the "creating a customised army" section.

Essentially there are no blanket restictions on the use of optional troops, the only restrictions are those specified in the army list itself or the "creating a customised army" bullet points.

As Hammy says there are separate lists for allied contingents and they can only be used if the main army's list specifies that the army can have those allies. This may also be date restricted if the list so specifies. In addtion the section on "Creating a customised army" may specify additional restrictions on which allies can be used with which other allies.

In a nutshell, read the whole army list including the "creating a customised army" section and follow any specified restrictions.