From: Hans
Subject: Re: [WAB] Game questions...
My questions though.
Here is a situation that arises periodically and I can never decide how to work it out. I
unit that is not engaged is charged in the flank. Does the charged unit turn to face the
attackers or accept the charge in the flank without the loss of rank bonuses. I thought
they would turn to face but lose rank bonus. They turn but leaders can't fight until the
second round of combat since they have to wade to the action.
Jervis: Actually they accept the charge in the flank *and* lose their rank bonus (assuming the enemy unit has 5+ models), but they don't have to take a panic test as ey are not lready engaged. The bit about the leader wading in is correct. See pages 13, 19 and 20 of the rulebook, where all is explained!
Drilled soldiers get a free maneuver at the beginning of their turn. Can the do a 90° or 180° turn and then charge. I as no because they cannot SEE the enemy at the beginning of there turn. Stated in the rules also that you have to see the target when you declare charges and since that is before movement (where formation changes takes place) you can't do any nasty tricks like catching those pesky skirmishers at your flank. I think it's specifically mentioned that formation changes and then charging works like this but since I have no rules with me I can't quote that one.
Jervis: This is correct, the free formation change comes in the movement phase after charges have been declared. Note, however, that it's not the formation change that stops the charge, but the fact that the enemy unit was out of sight in the charge declaration step; assuming the unit could have seen at least part of the enemy unit before they changed formation then they could charge.
At the end of combat you allowed to redress/reform you rank. Could a unit that
pursued a broken unit then reform facing the opposite direction?
Other people's comments follow:
> > I think so, but I am thinking mainly about the fantasy rules.
> > Nope you're only allowed to line up again so that you have a nice and tidy
formation after lapping around etc. No changes in direction since this would be rather
advantegous to say the least.
Jervis: The second answer is the correct one - you can 'tidy the unit up' but not change formation per se.
Hope that helps,
Jervis