Getting my head wrapped around using LF

matt0341 · Post by **matt0341** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 1:28 pm

Hello,

Okay, so I have a typical legion arranged with LF in front followed by Hastati/Princeps and then Triarii.

Since LF can pass through other foot in any direction, the LF can evade through the Hastati/Princeps. A gap between BGs is not needed. Right?

If the LF are broken in combat, they can rout through the Hastati/Princeps without causing a loss of cohesion?

The Hastati/Princeps can provide rear support the LF.

The idea of screening the main battle line with LF is that the LF is used to draw the enemies shock foot into charging without orders. Hopefully, this will cause a piecemeal commitment of the enemies main battle line into combat.

In any (most) case(s), it is best then to back up LF with something more capable.

Thanks for your answers.

terrys · Post by **terrys** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 2:20 pm

Since LF can pass through other foot in any direction, the LF can evade through the Hastati/Princeps. A gap between BGs is not needed. Right?

Correct. The LF have to end up somewhere though - either in front of the Hastati/Princeps, behind them, or split half in front half behind.

If the LF are broken in combat, they can rout through the Hastati/Princeps without causing a loss of cohesion?

Correct - Nor do they have to test for the break.

The Hastati/Princeps can provide rear support the LF

Correct

The idea of screening the main battle line with LF is that the LF is used to draw the enemies shock foot into charging without orders. Hopefully, this will cause a piecemeal commitment of the enemies main battle line into combat.

Correct again. Timing/distance is critical here. If the enemy BGs end in charge reach of you own legionaris - they may well end up charging through your own skirmishers, which will DISR the skirmishers. If you're slightly further away, then you have time to retire with your skirmishers, and then move up to charge reach - tempting them into another charge.

In any (most) case(s), it is best then to back up LF with something more capable.

Only in this situation. You often find slirmishers on the flank of an army, either to annoy the enemy with pinprick firing, or just to slow down troops movements on that flank.

Seldon · Post by **Seldon** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:24 pm

I love the use of skirmishers in this game, I think it provides good tactical options similar to what I understand of their use in historical engagements ( of course my understanding could be wrong since I only speak for what I read in the material I get my hands on

). But I like the tactical options, where in other rules I was always partially unhappy on their use..

mmm... then again I am not objective, I really like these rules

mdoolitt · Post by **mdoolitt** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:31 pm

terrys wrote:Correct. The LF have to end up somewhere though - either in front of the Hastati/Princeps, behind them, or split half in front half behind.

Is "half in front and half behind" correct? I thought a BG had to remain in base-to-base contact?

hammy · Post by **hammy** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:05 pm

mdoolitt wrote:
terrys wrote:Correct. The LF have to end up somewhere though - either in front of the Hastati/Princeps, behind them, or split half in front half behind.
Is "half in front and half behind" correct? I thought a BG had to remain in base-to-base contact?

If an interpenetration can't complete you can end up with a split BG P48. This is the only time a BG can be split and while split it will be dissordered.

pcelella · Post by **pcelella** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:45 pm

terrys wrote:
Since LF can pass through other foot in any direction, the LF can evade through the Hastati/Princeps. A gap between BGs is not needed. Right?
Correct. The LF have to end up somewhere though - either in front of the Hastati/Princeps, behind them, or split half in front half behind.

If the LF are broken in combat, they can rout through the Hastati/Princeps without causing a loss of cohesion?
Correct - Nor do they have to test for the break.

The Hastati/Princeps can provide rear support the LF
Correct

The idea of screening the main battle line with LF is that the LF is used to draw the enemies shock foot into charging without orders. Hopefully, this will cause a piecemeal commitment of the enemies main battle line into combat.
Correct again. Timing/distance is critical here. If the enemy BGs end in charge reach of you own legionaris - they may well end up charging through your own skirmishers, which will DISR the skirmishers. If you're slightly further away, then you have time to retire with your skirmishers, and then move up to charge reach - tempting them into another charge.

In any (most) case(s), it is best then to back up LF with something more capable.
Only in this situation. You often find slirmishers on the flank of an army, either to annoy the enemy with pinprick firing, or just to slow down troops movements on that flank.

I'm a little confused - if I have LI in front of my legionaries, and my enemy fails a CMT to charge my legionaries right behind the LI, don't the LI have an opportunity to evade? I guess I don't have any problem with them being burst through and disrupted (having them end up on the other side of the charging unit), but where does it say this in the rules?

hammy · Post by **hammy** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:50 pm

If your light foot are infront of your legions when the enemy main battle line gets within charge reach of the legions then the legions have to take a CMT (because they are shock troops) or charge the enemy bursting through your own light foot and disrupting them in the process.

If the enemy charge your light foot then your light foot will evade and can pass through the legionaries.

Light foot can go through legionaries easily but not vice versa.

matt0341 · Post by **matt0341** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 2:48 am

Thanks all for the replies!