Art De La Guerre

[Ramses II]

There is an interesting debate taking place here in the French forums. The question is as follows:-

A group of MI, El and MI charges a group of HI, LI, HI. The two groups are aligned with each other, but slightly offset, so that one of the MI contacts a small part of the LI before the two groups line up under the conformation rules.

So, is the LI unit destroyed if it does not evade? The LI is entitled to stand against the El (which will ultimately conform on it), though the rules on auto destruction of LI suggest that it should be destroyed before conformation takes place.

There seem to be good arguments both ways, basically revolving around the question whether the charge and conformation are part of the same process or not.

Thoughts?

[footslogger]

I could see it going either way I guess, but I'd be inclined to say the LI have to flee. Here's why I'd be inclined to say that, with two other conceivable situations.

What if the LI was alone in front of a group of other things? Would it be able to stand?

What if the charging group came in as two groups? First a MI comes in by itself slightly contacting the light infantry. In that circumstance would the LI be able to stand? I would say no.

[Ramses II]

Agreed on both points. Also this only occurs in a very specific situation where the opposing units are perfectly aligned.
The key point under discussion seems to be that the 'contact' with heavier troops is fleeting, and that the real target of these troops is not the LI but the neighbouring HI.
Note, if the HI & LI were charging this would be legitimate as the target of the LI would be the Elephant, even though there was a fleeting contact with the MI.

[Hazelbark]

It is an interesting debate. Since they are seeking the author's view, please let us know when they get it.

I would suppose the LI need to evade. It is the simplest and clearest and keeps with the intent. But we will see from the author.

[ethan]

Interesting, but I would be inclined to say that the LI neither is forced to flee nor is destroyed.

Ruling otherwise leads to some potentially gamey interactions which I don't see as desirable (being able to charge in one slightly different way from another leads to radically different outcomes based on possible imperceptible measurement differences).

[Wagmestre]

Yes !
+1
No flee, no destruction !

It sounds like a song about south american guerilla, no ?
No pasaran !

Oups, I

[Ramses II]

Ok, the provisional answer has been formulated in the French forums.

Basically questions of this sort will depend upon how the units will line up after conformation has taken place. Put another way, the question of whether the LI have to evade or may stand depends upon whether the EL is treating the LI as its "target", and will be fighting the LI after the charge / conformation processes are complete. (This would also apply in the case of the LI charging).

This is considered to be a simple and logical solution which fits the principles behind the rules.

That said, it is not yet completely ratified by Plefebvre and the author, who need to consider whether this ruling causes other latent complications.