FAQ L’Art de la Guerre, 3rd Edition Version 20-02-2018

FAQ
AdG 3rd Edition
This document answers questions asked on the forum by the players, or arising from the tournaments.
This excludes those questions which are now covered by the publication of the official amendments to
the rules text (see the "Rules" tab of the ADG website: Official amendments to the Art of War rules). To
facilitate the search for information, the questions are grouped according to the chapters of the rulebook.
The answers try to be concise in order to keep the document reasonable in size for printing. Therefore,
wherever possible, additional information and examples are given in the explanatory sheets placed on
the "Rules" tab of the site. Features that are new to the FAQ are highlighted in yellow.

TROOPS
+1 Bonus against mounted
Q : Does a bowmen keep its bonus against a mounted unit if it is attacked on a flank by the mounted unit?
A : No. This specific bonus works like the Support capability, with the same restrictions :
 The bonus is valid only for the 1st turn if the unit is charged from the front.
 The bonus not valid if the unit simply conforms.
 The bonus is cancelled if the unit is contacted in the flank, even by a Li.

Medium spearmen
Q : When receiving a charge from a mounted unit, does a medium spearmen unit get the Impact ability ?
A : If the mounted unit is not Impact, then yes. If the mounted unit also has Impact, then the medium
spearmen Impact bonus is cancelled, as p 17.
Note : Only Heavy spearmen and pikes keep their Impact against a mounted unit with Impact.

Examples :
A medium spearmen is charged frontally by a Cv:
 Medium spearmen = 1 + 1 Impact = +2
 Cv = 1 + 1 bonus vs MI = +2

A medium spearmen is charged frontally by an Impact Cv:

 Medium spearmen = 1 + 0 (no Impact) =+1
 Impact Cv = 1 + 0 (Impact cancelled by spearmen) =+1

Q : Do Longbows count as “bows” for the purposes of shooting at mounted ?

A : Yes, longbows have +1 for shooting versus mounted and reduce the target protection.

+1 bonus for mounted against MI and LMI

Q : How does this bonus apply?
A : This bonus only applies to cavalry units that do not have the special Impact ability. As a result,
cavalry units whose impact bonus is canceled by the opponent (Medium Spears) do not benefit from this
bonus. This bonus applies after a charge, so only in the first round of melee and where the unit is
fighting on its front.

It does not apply :

 after a conformation,
 if the cavalry is contacted on their flank or rear, or if it is fighting in 2 directions,
 if the cavalry is fighting in rough or difficult terrain or across fortifications.

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2 Handed Weapon ability

Q : If a unit with 2HW attacks a spearmen unit with the Support capability, in which order should you resolve the
effects of the capabilities ?
A : First apply the effects of the 2HW, then Support (like the armour effect).

Q : Does the 2HW ability just cancel the effect of Armour and Heavy Armour abilities ?
A : In practice the factors will have the same effect as cancelling the armour effect. Nevertheless, you
need to apply all the factors as listed p16.

Elephant mounted artillery

Q : How do Elephant mounted artillery troops work ?
A : Elephant mounted artillery move and melee like an elephant. If the unit doesn't move and is not in
melee it can shoot like light artillery.

COMMAND
Flight of a General
Q : Does a general, either included or attached to a unit, count towards the army demoralisation, if he should flee
with the unit and then leave the table ?
A : No. The corps becomes leaderless but he’s not counted as a lost general.

General and combat

Q: If a general (attached or included) is engaged in melee and his unit loses cohesion in melee, he may be
eliminated on a roll of 1 to a roll. But only one test is performed even if the unit loses several cohesion points (page
24 and 25). A unit in melee can lose cohesion points at several points during the turn (taken in flank or rear, losing
a melee, the rout of a friendly unit) so when should the single test be taken ?
A: This test must be performed when all the possibilities of cohesion loss in melee have passed thus it is
taken during the rout and pursuit phase.

MOVEMENT
Wheeling
Q : If a group has less units on the 1st line than on other lines behind, can it wheel? If so, then how do you
proceed ?
A : YES, such a group can wheel. The widest line is considered as the group’s width. Wheeling is then
measured using this width, and not that of the 1st line. No unit can move further than it’s allowed
movement distance.

Q : A group with a 2UD movement makes a 2UD wheel about one of its corners, the other one not moving. In the
same movement, can the 2nd corner also wheel 2UD, each corner having moved 2UD ?
A : NO. If a group does a wheel, it’s limited by its maximum movement allowance. The move ends after
the 1st 2UD wheel.

Artillery and Fortifications (see online sheet)

Q: How can an artillery pivot if it is behind a fortification?
A: The artillery can pivot such that a front corner remains in contact with the fortification. If the artillery
is attacked across the fortification, the enemy must align with the fortification and the artillery continues
to benefit from its protection.

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Cost in CP for unmanoeuverable units (see online sheet)

Q: If an unmanoeuverable unit performs several difficult manoeuvres during the same movement phase, is the
additional cost fixed (+ 1 CP in all cases) or cumulative (+ 1 CP for each difficult manoeuvre)?
A: The cost is fixed; +1 CP whatever the number of difficult manoeuvers in the phase of movement of
the unit.

Free half or quarter-turn

Q : Can you use the free ½ or ¼ turn of light units without spending a CP ?
A : NO. It is a “free” turn in terms of movement distance. You still need to spend 1 CP, even if the unit
does not move afterwards.

Second and third movement

Q: A unit X ends its move more than 4 UD from any enemy, but it belongs to a group with at least one other unit
Y that is now less than 4 UD from the enemy. Is it possible for unit X to perform another move?
A: No, this unit is part of a group that has already made a group move which ended less than 4 UD from
an enemy unit.

Extension and available space

Q : When expanding a group, do you need to have enough room to make the move? Are the knights in the second
rank able to expand the line to the left, even if there is a heavy spearmen unit in their way ?

A : For an expansion to be allowed, a unit must have

real physical room to do it. In this case, the knights
can’t interpenetrate the spearmen, so no.

Impetuous unit’s movement

Q : An impetuous unit, that is providing support to another unit in melee, moves less than 1UD but
continues to support the same unit. What is the CP cost ? 1, 2 or 3 CPs ?
A : For impetuous units, if the movement ends in contact with the enemy (including support) a partial
advance is not considered to be a difficult manoeuvre, so 1CP.

Group of Impetuous units

Q : If a group of impetuous HI wheels and the one at the far end moves 2UD, while the one on the interior of the
wheel travels less than 1UD, do you pay 1 or 2 CPs ?
A : Only 1 CP because the group has made its maximum movement.

Q : If a group comprising impetuous cavalry and impetuous knights makes a move of 3UD, do you pay 1 or 2
CPs ?
A : 2 CPs because the cavalry hasn’t moved it’s full movement allowance of 4UD.

Interpenetration of an Unreliable Corps

Q: If a unit from one corps interpenetrates a unit of another hesitant corps, is it possible to shift this hesitant unit
following the process for the adjustment of the positions defined on page 43?
A: No, it is forbidden to interpenetrate units of a hesitant body. As stated on page 73, the hesitant troops
can neither shoot nor move, even to adjust a unit’s position following interpenetration.

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Leaving a Zone of Control

Q : A light cavalry unit wants to exit the ZoC of an enemy unit facing it. After the initial half-turn, does it have to
make a full move or can it stop short ?
A : The unit must make a full move (the same as a breaking-off or evading), unless it is stopped by an
impassable obstacle (another unit for example).

Q : A knight is in the ZoC of an enemy elephant to its rear. How can it leave the ZoC ?
A : The only option is for the knight to retreat to its rear which is impossible, because that would bring it
closer to the enemy. The knight must first make a ½ turn to face the elephant. In the following turn, it
will be able to leave the ZoC (if it wasn’t charged by the elephant).

Movements allowed in a ZoC (see page 34)

Q : How should you understand the different principles of the rule on permitted movements in a ZoC such as: to
align, to be less aligned, to advance, to leave the ZoC? (see page 34)
How far can a unit advance in an enemy ZoC to support a friendly unit?

A : Some concepts need to be clarified. The paragraph "movements allowed in a ZoC" should be
understood as follows:

When a unit or group is in or enters an enemy ZoC (including a conformation on page 52), the only
permitted movement must be made with respect to the most threatening enemy unit.
The most threatening enemy unit is, in following order of priority:
 The nearest one who’s ZoC covers part of the units front,
 The nearest one who’s ZoC covers part of the flank or rear of the unit.
If a unit is in the ZoC of multiple enemy units, it only considers the most threatening enemy unit and
ignores the ZoCs of the other units when moving. If several units are equally threatening, the choice is
left to the player.

The only movements permitted in the ZoC of the most threatening unit are:
 To stay put and not move.
 To charge it
 To move by advancing, making a wheel, a quarter turn or a half turn :
o To align with it :
 The 2 units are perfectly aligned if their fronts are parallel.
 At the end of the movement
 the units must not be less aligned, that is to say that the angle formed by
their 2 fronts must not have increased,
 the most threatening unit must always be the same as at the beginning;
o To get closer to it :
 The distance between the 2 points closest to the fronts must be reduced,
 The unit must be on an axis that will contact the enemy unit's front,
 No point on it’s front should be further from the enemy front than at the beginning
of the movement,
 No point on the front of the unit that entered the ZoC must exit it during the
movement.
 To extend or contract a group as long as no unit in the group exits the ZoC (see definition above).
 To retreat, ie to leave the ZoC (see paragraph Exiting a ZoC).

In ZoC, it is forbidden:
 To slide, except after contact to conform (see 52);
 To enter into melee with the flank or rear of another enemy, in order to charge it or support a
friendly unit.

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Example of alignment in a ZoC :

Unit A moves forward and enters the ZoC of Unit B with an angle X1. Then unit A wants to wheel so
that the new angle between its front and that of the enemy unit is X2. This movement is forbidden
because the angle X2 is larger than X1; the unit is less aligned than at the beginning.

Example of moving closer to the enemy :

In the example on the right, unit A wants to go
straight to a new position, but without charging B.
This movement is possible because:
 The front of unit A ends closer to the front
of unit B than at the beginning of its
movement,
 It’s advance is along an axis that would
allow it to contact the front of B.

On the other hand, in the example on the left, the

advance of unit A is carried out along an axis which
will not contact the front of the unit B. This
movement is therefore prohibited, even though unit
A does not leave unit B's ZoC.

Example of leaving a ZoC :

In the example on the left, unit A2 wishes to advance
to provide support to A1 that is already in melee.
However, part of this movement takes place within
the ZoC of B2.

This movement is possible up to the limit indicated

on the diagram. Indeed, up to this point the front of
unit A2 gradually enters the ZoC of unit B2. Beyond
this point, part of the front that was in the ZoC
begins to leave it.

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Example of restricted flank contact :

In the example on the right, the cavalry A1 wants to
attack the flank of B1 to support A2. In doing so A1
enters the ZoC of B2.

This movement is forbidden for two reasons:

 The advance of A1 in the ZoC of B2 does not
follow an axis allowing it to contact B2.
 It is forbidden to engage the flank (or rear) of
a unit while entering the ZoC of another
unit.

The most threatening enemy :

In the example on the right, Unit A1 finds itself in
the ZoC of two enemy units, B1 and B2. B2 is the
most threatening unit for A1 because it is the
nearest unit whose ZoC covers part of the front of
A1. If A1 wishes to engage in melee, it must charge
B2 because it may not slide in the ZoC of an enemy
anyway.

Exceptions to ZoC (p35)

8th Bullet point should read
“A unit does not exercise a ZoC in, into or from terrain that penalizes it in combat."

SPECIAL MOVEMENTS
Charge
Q : Is it possible to make a ¼ or ½ turn, then a wheel just before charging ?
A : Yes, they can be combined but only at the beginning of the charge.

Charge and ¼ turn

Q : A non-impetuous HI unit makes a ¼ turn and charges a LI, which has to evade. Can the HI stay there,
since it has already moved 1 UD for the ¼ turn ?
A : The HI must move at least 1 UD towards the LI unless the variable move dice result is 1 or 2. In
which case the movement allowance has already been spent.

Impetuous units charge distance

Q : If an impetuous foot unit charge a unit less than 1UD away, but in a difficult terrain, can it stop before
entering the terrain, even though it moved less than 1 UD ?
A : NO. All charging units must move at least 1UD for foot and 2Uds for mounted. Impetuous units
must also complete a full charge move, unless they would leave the table or enter difficult terrain. In the
example the foot unit must move at least 1UD.

Q : A heavy Impetuous chariot unit has a target 2UDs from its flank, but, since it must do a ¼ turn (costing
2UDs), it won’t be able to contact the target. What must you consider ? The distance in a straight line, or the
distance the unit can make in one move ?
A : For a unit to make an uncontrolled charge, it must be able to reach the target with a normal charge
move. In this case it cannot reach, so there is no uncontrolled charge.

Q : Page 42, in the example, the sentence for unit F seems not correct.
A : Yes, there is an error here : unit F doesn’t move as it cannot reach an enemy.

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Uncontrolled charge
Q : D is a unit of impetuous knights should make an
uncontrolled charge. How to resolve this particular case ?

A : The knight should charge at the elephant, but the

latter is not a valid target for an uncontrolled charge.
Unit B is at charge range, but can’t be reached because
it is already in melee. The knights D don’t have
enough move to support the unit attacking A. Since
there is no valid target, there is no uncontrolled charge,
and the knights may move as they wish.

Charge and corner-to-corner contact

Q : If a charge ends with only a corner-to-corner contact, is it legal ?
A : Yes. The unit must conform and there will be a melee. However, it is impossible to charge a unit on
its front corner if this unit is part of a column and is aligned with another friendly unit that is in front of
it.

Q : Can unit A charge C, even though it is already in

contact corner-to-corner with B ?

A : Yes, as per p36, defining the charge. If A decides

to charge C, then it can “slide” alongside B, to reach
C.

Or it could decide to conform to B.

Spontaneous charge (without orders)

Q : A unit makes a spontaneous charge to contact an enemy. Can a unit in the same group as the one charging,
benefit from this spontaneous charge to provide support ?
A : Yes. The spontaneous charge follows the same rules as the classic charge. If there is a unit, in a group,
able to make such a spontaneous charge, then the whole group can do so.

Charge in a ZoC
Q : B1, B2 and B3 are medium cavalry, D is some Levy
on the same side. A1 and A2 are heavy knights. At the
start of its turn, A1 is just in the ZoC of B1. A1 wants to
charge straight ahead on the assumption that if the
cavalry evades, A2 will be able to engage the Levy in
melee. Is the charge permitted, or must Blue first align
with the cavalry B1, B2 and B3 ?

A : A1 and A2 can charge straight ahead because

this would lead them to contact the most
threatening enemy B1. If the cavalry stands, A1 will
conform with B1, and A2 with B2 (see Conformation
p52). If the cavalry evades, then A2 will contact D
and conform facing it.

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The Charge move of a group, some part which is not within range of the enemy
Q: If a group wants to charge but only some of its units are within range of the enemy, how do we resolve this
case?
A: The entire group can participate in the charge, but only those units that are within charge range will
be able to contact the enemy and then conform to enter melee.
Remember the general charge mechanism when the enemy does not evade :
1. If at least one unit in a group is within charge range of the enemy (see definition on page 36),
then the entire group may participate in the charge.
2. When the units in charge range have contacted the enemy, the other units in the group apply the
rule for continuing a charge described on page 36 (which may cause the group to split):
a. Impetuous units are forced to continue charging to the maximum distance,
b. Non-impetuous units can either :
i. stop on the line reached by the group at first contact (L1),
ii. continue the movement from L1 to the limit L2 representing the maximum charge
distance.
3. Units that have contacted the enemy conform according to the provisions on page 52

Thus, in the example opposite: Cav 1 and 2 are in

charge range and can therefore contact the blue
MI and conform.
Cav 3 and 4 can participate in the charge but they
do not have the movement to contact the MI.
If Cav 3 and 4 are not impetuous then they can:
• Stop on the initial contact line,
• Or continue their movement between the initial
contact line (inclusive) and Line 2 limit
(inclusive).
If the Cav are impetuous, they must continue
charging until L2.

Interpenetration
Q : If some units partially interpenetrates a group of friendly units, does the adjustment of position apply to all the
units in the group or only to those that are interpenetrated?
A : Only those units that are interpenetrated by friends (even partially) have their positions adjusted. So
it is quite possible that the group is split up after interpenetration.

Q: When a unit of light troops is pushed back during an interpenetration (see page 43), can it then move normally?
A: Yes, because it is a simple adjustment of positions that is not considered a movement.

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Evade adjusted movement distance

Q : Page 40; what constitutes “all targets of a charge” for the purposes of a charging unit needing to roll an
adjusted move distance ?
A : When you declare a charge, you must specify the target and this must be in charge range. If all the
targets in charge range (ie the movement distance) evades, then you must adjust the movement distance
by rolling a dice. If the initial targets cannot evade, you don’t need to adjust the movement distance.
Example : you have a group of HI at 2 UD distance from HI enemy units, with LI enemy units in
between the two groups. If you charge the enemy HI units you don’t need to adjust the move distance
even if all LI evade.

Evade and reorientation of a group

Q : A group is charged diagonally and chooses to evade according to the direction of the charge. Is the wheel
distance deducted from the evade movement distance ?
A : Yes. Reorienting can’t be used to gain a bit of distance when evading, as can be the case of a single
unit.

Evade and terrain

Q : If an evading unit enters terrain that slows down it’s movement, must it continue the evade in a straight line,
or can it manoeuvre to avoid that terrain ?
A : The player decides. However, if the unit starts at less than 1 UD from the terrain, it must go into the
terrain unless it can use a slide to avoid going in.

Evaders recontacted
Q: Page 38, in the section "Troops that must evade" it is stated, that if light infantry are caught and destroyed:
"The unit that destroyed the light infantry ends its movement to the point of contact with no
conformation". However, the amendment on page 52 states: "If a LI is contacted in clear terrain by a
heavy unit, the attacker must conform as if for a melee. The LI is then automatically destroyed
during the melee phase”. What is the correct interpretation?
A: The sentence on page 38 is wrong. In effect, a unit that destroys a LI caught after it evades must
conform with it, in accordance with the official amendment on page 52

RALLYING
Q : Can an included general use his bonus to help rally an adjacent unit ?
A : No. His bonus can only be used for the unit in which he is included.

Q : If a unit is contacted in the flank by a pursuing enemy unit and must then conform, can it rally ?
A : Yes, the unit will conform at the end of the melee phase, and can rally in its turn.

Q: Can a unit that voluntarily conforms after a melee (as described on page 55) rally in the same turn?
A: No, because this rally is like a move and a unit that wants to rally must remain motionless during its
movement phase. This situation should not be confused with conformation after being hit in a flank
(page 54) or following a pursuit, which occur at the end of the melee phase. In these cases the unit starts
its movement phase by already being conformed with the opponent, so it has the opportunity to rally.

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SHOOTING
Optional or mandatory shooting
Q : The rule says page 46 that a unit can shoot at a target within range. Is shooting optional or mandatory when
you have a target in range?
A : Shooting is always optional. For example, a medium artillery that has moved 5 UD from a unit of a
hesitant enemy corps is not obliged to shoot at it if it does not want to make it reliable. On the other
hand shooting must always respect the target priorities. So if a unit decides not to shoot at its priority
target, it may not shoot at all.

Bowmen in column
Q : When shooting, can a bowmen unit (LMI) in column support another one if front of it ?
A : No, because the second unit has no clear line of sight.

Shooting modifiers
Q : If a unit of bowmen shoot at a foot knight, with a LI crossbow unit in support, is the armour value of the target
reduced to 1 because of the crossbow ? Does the -1 for Li shooting apply ?
A : No, and no. You only use the modifiers of the main shooting unit.

LH Shooting and support

Q : A group of 4 LH in two ranks, aligned corner to corner shoots at the same target. What is their final factor ?
A : The first LH shoots at -1 and there are 3 LH in support (factor +2) so the final factor is +1. Second
rank LH count as support if in contact and aligned corner-to-corner just behind a LH on the first rank.

Shooting at a supporting unit

Q : According to p46, you can’t shoot at a supporting unit in melee. Can you shoot at an enemy in contact of a
unit in melee, but which doesn’t give any support ? Such as a unit beside a Scythed chariot, or a unit not facing the
same way.
A : Yes. A unit which doesn’t support another one in melee can be shot at.

Shooting over troops

Q: it says on page 49 that artillery can fire over unrestricted LI and LH enemies. Does this mean that in all
circumstances artillery can ignore enemy LI and LH to shoot any other target of their choice?
A : Yes

Shooting from an unreliable unit

Q : If an unreliable allied corps has an artillery unit, and there is a target in range, but at more than 4Uds, can the
artillery still shoot, even if you don’t know whether the corps will be reliable or not ?
A : No, you must first know if the corps is reliable.

MELEE
Contact restrictions for bowmen
Q : There is a group of 2 bowmen with an elephant in between. Facing them, 2 enemy HI. How can the elephant
and bowmen charge the enemy HI units ?
A : You have to declare 2 charges :
1- The elephant charges a HI, with a bowmen in support.
2- Next, the 2nd bowmen charges the 2nd HI (see p52 contact restrictions)
Note : If the units are 1UD or less from the enemy, the charges can be spontaneous and therefore free.

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Restriction on contact with mixed units

Q : The rule indicates that mixed units can only charge the flank or the rear of mounted units. Why can’t they
charge the front of LH like Bowmen?
A : It's an oversight. Mixed units can charge the front of LH.

Restriction in contact with LI

Q: If a LI unit is in contact with a heavier unit by itself, sometimes it is required to be moved backwards and
sometimes it must be displaced. Is there a difference? How should this mechanism be applied?
A: The principle is that the player must move the LI unit 1 UD away from from the enemy, to a position
that ensures his survival in case of enemy pursuit. He can therefore reposition it, at his discretion,
somewhere on a circular arc of 1 UD radius with respect to the initial point of contact. If this movement
is not possible in its totality, then the LI is destroyed.

Movement to provide support

Q : When a unit moves to provide corner or flank support to a friendly unit, must it stop at first contact with the
enemy?
A : No, it can continue to slide along the side of the opponent as long as it respects all movement and
ZoC rules. This movement must not be confused with a charge to initiate a melee, which must stop and
conform at the first contact (see page 52)

Q: In the example below:

1. Can the 2 units A1 and A2 move as a group into contact with the enemy to support A3?
2. If so, should both be considered supportive, even if the bonus is limited to +1 per enemy side?
3. If only one of them actually provides support, which should be chosen? The other unit can then shoot, be targeted
and be interpenetrated even if it is in contact with the enemy

A1: Yes, both units can move in groups.

A2: Only one unit provides support and it is the

player owning the unit who decides which. This
choice can only be changed if the situation changes: by
movement, destruction, attack by another enemy unit
or the arrival of another friendly unit in support.

A3: In the example opposite the units A1 and A2 are

LH arc. The red player decides that it is the A1 leading
unit that provides support. Although being in contact
with the enemy, A2 can therefore fire on the blue LI 2,
be targeted by the blue LI 2 and be interpenetrated by
the red LI.

If the situation remains unchanged, A1 remains in

support until the end of the melee. If A1 moves or is
attacked, A2 can become the unit that supports A3.

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LI charging in the open

Q : Can a LI in the open charge a heavier unit in the flank ?
A : No. In the open, it can only charge other LI, SCh, Art, El or the camp.

Furious charge
Q : A Cv, LC or Kn with Impact has a furious charge against all foot. But a spearmen (either MI or HI)
cancels the Impact if receiving the charge on their front. In that case, is the Furious charge also
cancelled ?
A : No. The Furious charge is retained, even if the Impact is cancelled.

Q : The Armour/Heavy Armour capability doesn’t count during the first round if the opponent has a Furious
charge. What happens if the opponent with a Furious charge also has Armour and loses the melee ?
A : Then, the opponent’s Armour counts towards the final result, because it’s only the target of the
charge that doesn’t get it for the first round.

Conforming and flank charges

Q : A group of 3 Kn charge the flank of a group of 4 Cv which can’t evade. How should the melee be resolved ?
A : This is a particular case from “Conforming and displacing units” p53. You can displace the Cv so
that each Kn can attack one Cv on its flank ; the 4th Cv is then moved out of the ZoCs. Ideally, if every
base was 4x4cm, alignment problems would disappear. If the 3 Kn were charging 4 Heavy chariots the
same way, there would be no problem.

Q : A Cv attacks a group of Lh on their flank and they don’t evade. If the 1st Lh is destroyed, how does the 2nd one
conform ?
A : If the Cv attacks Lh n°1 from the flank, Lh n°2 is also contacted. If Lh n°1 is destroyed, then it
conforms to the Cv before routing. Therefore, it pushes Lh n°2 out of the Cv’s ZoC. That way, you avoid
the problems linked to variable bases depths (3 or 4cm). Cv and Lh n°2 are now in contact corner-to-
corner.

Q : Consider a column of 3 Cv. Is it possible to charge only the front corner of the 2nd Cv? If so, how does
conformation work?
A : No, you cannot charge a unit in this way. You can only charge the front of the column or the flank of
one or more units.

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Examples of Conformation
It is the turn of A, B and C who are on the same side.
C cannot conform for free to attack the flank of D
because it is already considered to be in combat: it is
giving support to B.

However, the player can spend 1 PC for C to turn or

wheel and attack the flank of D, inflicting a cohesion
point loss.

Continuing the previous example, B has been

destroyed in melee.
D and C are in contact without being able to fight. C
can move freely, and, should the player want to, it
can conform for free to attack D in the flank. This is
considered to be the continuation of the previous
melee.

A and C are on the same side. The order of movement

is important in this case.
If C moves first, it can conform for free on D’s flank.
A can then charge D from the front. As D is in melee
from the front and the flank, it loses one cohesion
point. If A charges first, C is then in a support
position (it is now in melee with A). So the player
must pay 1CP if he wants C to turn and attack D in
the flank, to cause the 1 point cohesion loss.

Timing of conformation
Q : When can the units conform ?
A : Conformation can happen in 4 cases :
 Just after a charge, to align with the enemy.
 Just after a melee if a unit routs the opponent on its front and there is another opponent whose front
is in contact with the unit’s flank or rear (as per p54). The conformation then replaces the pursuit.
 During a pursuit, if the pursuer contacts a new enemy. If that new unit is not automatically
destroyed it must conform with the front of the pursuer.
 In the movement phase of the player’s turn, to align with an opponent with which it is already in
contact (for instance flank against flank, or corner against corner). This is detailed on p55
(Conforming after a melee). This conformation replaces the charge, which can’t take place because
the units are already in contact.

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Charge distance and conformation

Q: In the situation below, unit A is a HI. Is it allowed to charge and then conform, knowing that in total it will
have traveled more than its charge distance with its outer corner?

A : Yes. At the beginning of its movement the HI is

within charge range (see definition on page 36), so it
can charge the blue unit. Once the contact is
established, it conforms by wheeling.

Note: The limitation to a UD for the extra distance for

conformation only applies to the slide and not to the
wheel (see the conformation mechanism on page 52).

Flank attack
Q: It is stated on page 56 that a unit charged on its flank or rear by an enemy other than a light troop has its base
factor reduced to zero. Is this also true if the flanking takes place following a conformation?
R: Yes. In fact it should read "if a unit is attacked on its side or rear ... etc.

Q : If a unit is attacked in the flank/rear by a light unit, does it still lose its capabilities, as per page 57 ?
A : Yes.

Impetuous conforming
Q : A unit of impetuous swordsmen is in flank to flank contact with an enemy spearmen unit. In their turn, what
can the swordsmen do ?
A : Being impetuous, the swordsmen must conform for free to initiate a melee with the spearmen on
their flank, or charge another unit in range. Any other action will cost 3 CPs. Should they conform, they
won’t get their Impact or the Furious charge.

Conforming and leaving the terrain

Q : A unit is partially in terrain, and is contacted by an enemy. Does it have to conform if this would result in
leaving the terrain entirely?
A : Yes. Conformation is mandatory, unless open terrain will penalize the unit (such as LI for instance).

Group conforming
Q : If a group is in contact corner-to-corner with an enemy, with just the rightmost unit in contact corner-to-
corner. Can this unit conform using a slide to initiate melee. Can the whole group conform too, or only the unit
which contacts the enemy ?
A : The whole group can conform (cf p53, 2nd paragraph)

Conformation and Evade

Q: Two units are in corner-to-corner or flank-to-flank contact and not in melee with anyone. One of them conforms
on the other. Can the other unit evade if it has the ability?
A: Yes, cf. page 55.

Facing to flank
Q : If an unmanoeuverable unit in flank to flank contact with an enemy unit, wants to attack the flank of that unit,
can it wheel so that it only pays 1CP ?
A : Yes, if its front edge is not behind the enemy’s rear. Otherwise, you have to pay 2CPs to make a ¼
turn.

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Movement and conformation (see online notes)

Q : Units A and B are in melee. Unit C (which is allied with A) would like to wheel and then advance straight
ahead in order to contact B in the flank to support A in the melee. Is it a legal move ?
A : Yes, this kind of move is perfectly correct. Unit C can move and conform in order to support a
friendly unit in melee. It is not considered as a flank charge.

Multiple opponents
Q : If a unit is in melee on its front with an enemy, and is then attacked on it’s flank, it will lose 1 cohesion point.
What happens if during the same phase, the enemy on it’s front breaks contact ? Does the unit still lose 1 CP ?
A : Yes, the cohesion loss is instantaneous (cf p59).

Q : Does turning a unit from flank-to-flank contact with an enemy to front edge against the enemy’s flank
qualify as a “new enemy” under multiple opponents (p 59), and therefore inflicts a cohesion loss if there
is another unit in contact with the enemy unit’s front ?
A : Yes

Q : If a unit that is in contact with its front against the flank of an enemy is contacted on it’s flank by
another enemy, does it suffer a cohesion loss ?
A : Yes. As indicated page 50, 2nd bullet, the unit is considered in melee and so suffers a cohesion loss as
stated page 59. At the end of the melee, the unit will conform to the new enemy as it is not in frontal
melee against the first enemy unit.

Attack of the camp

Q : if a unit with a general included attacks the enemy’s camp, does the general gets a minus to give orders ?
A : Yes because the unit is considered as being in melee (cf p59, 5th paragraph).

Q : When the camp has been sacked and the unit is still busy pillaging it, is it still considered as being in melee ?
A : Yes, with all the implied consequences. If it is attacked, it will be taken from the rear/flank it can’t
evade. Should it survive the charge, it would stop pillaging the camp, and conform.

Hit in the flank by a WWg

Q : If a unit is in melee with an enemy, and at the same time in contact on it’s flank/rear by a WWg, does it lose a
cohesion point ? Will it fight being considered as attacked from the flank/rear ?
A : It won’t lose any cohesion because the WWg can’t charge. However, it will fight as if attacked from
the flank (see effects on p56 and 57), because every side of a WWg is to be treated as a front face.

Combat in a river
Q : How can a unit attack from a river if the enemy is not parallel to the river border ?
A : The unit in the river charges and conforms as normal.

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Defending the edge of a Gully or a River bank (cf. page 57)

Q : Under what conditions does the bonus of +1 for the defense of the edge of a ravine or a bank apply ?
A : To obtain the +1 bonus only part of the enemy unit needs to be in the river or gully. It is not
necessary for the defending unit to be in contact with the edge of the ravine or the river bank.

ROUT AND PURSUIT

Impetuous unit pursuing
Q : on p62 : “if several units are in melee with the same enemy, only one of the units can pursue. The unit that
pursues is chosen by the controlling player.” What happens if one the units is impetuous ? Does it have to
pursue ?
A : The player still has the choice. If one of the units is impetuous, it will have to pursue unless another
unit makes the pursuit. If another unit pursues the enemy, the impetuous unit won’t pursue because
only one unit can do it.

Q : When an impetuous unit must make a compulsory pursuit, what is the minimal pursuit distance ?
A : Impetuous units must pursue as far as possible, ie 1UD, or until they contact a new enemy.
Restrictions on pursuit on p62 still apply.

Pursuing across fortifications

Q : Is it possible to pursue across fortifications ?
A : Yes, for both foot and mounted.

Rout after shooting

Q : When a unit is destroyed because of enemy shooting, does it inflict a cohesion hit on friedly units up to 1UD
behind it ? Also, is it reorientated if the shot came from the flak/rear ?
A : The rules on rout p61 apply. In the case of shooting, there is no need to reorientate the unit before it
routs.

Destruction of LI
Q : On p62 : “If a pursuing unit of LMI, MI, HI, Cv or Kn contacts a light infantry unit, the light infantry unit is
immediately eliminated as an evade move is not permitted.” Is this true if the light infantry is in terrain ?
A : No, LI is destroyed only in open terrain (cf. page 52).

SETTING UP
Placing terrain.
Misprint. You must replace the third bullet with : “Defender places the compulsory element.”

Gully (see online notes)

Q : What are the visibility and lines and sight in a gully ?
A : A gully is depression under ground level. Units entirely in a gully are invisible from outside the
gully unless the enemy units are within 1UD from the edge of the gully. Units in a gully cannot shoot or
be shot at by an enemy more than 1UD from the edge of the gully. Units in the gully can shoot at each
other.

Q : Is it possible to shoot over units in a gully ?

A : Yes. A gully doesn’t block line of sight, and therefore you can shoot over the gully.

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Visibility and Ambushes (See the online notes)

All questions relating to Line of Sight with respect to terrain are dealt with in the explanatory sheet
"visibility and ambushes" online.

Terrain control and the Strategist

Q : Can the Strategist try to move a terrain piece even if the player has chosen the maximum allowed number of
terrain pieces (ie 4) ?
A : Yes. The Strategist can try to control one more element than usual (or twice the same). If the first
attempt is a success, then he can’t move the same element twice.

Placing the River and Coast line

Q : If you want to place a coast line/river, but you get a 1, 2 or 3 on the die, do you have to take another terrain
piece ?
A : The rules state you “can”, but the player must place at least two terrain pieces. If the test fails, then
the river can’t be chosen. But the player must take at least two elements. The number of attempts to
move terrain pieces is not modified by the test to place the river/coast line.

Q : When do you throw the dice when choosing a river/coast line ?

A : At the time you choose the terrain. If the test fails, then you can take another element.

Q : When you get a dry riverbed, what are the effects on shooting, melee and movement ?
A : A dry riverbed can be crossed like open terrain in any direction. It is possible to shoot from a dried
up river without minuses. Units defending the bank still retain their +1 bonus if the opponent is partially
in the riverbed.

Placing the Village

Q : What is the use of the placing die for the village ? What happens if you also have a river/coast line ?
A : The player chooses a flank sector to place the village, the dice is only used to determine the location
of the village from the player’s long edge :
 1 to 4 : the player must place the village on the long edge in the chosen sector.
 5 and 6, it must be placed more than 2 UD from any edge.
Note : If a river/coast line is also chosen, you roll the dice but the village must be placed next to the
river/coast line.

Ambush (see online notes)

Q : When placing an ambush, you discover that some of the units can’t completely be deployed in cover or some of
them are not allowed to be placed in ambush (HI in a field for instance). What do you do then ?
A : Units that can’t be deployed from the ambush are placed on the player’s long edge by the opponent.
In a tournament, the umpire will decide. He could also decide that the units had left the table and thus
will be ignored for demoralization, if he thinks the mistake had been done deliberately.

Q : A hesitant corps has some units in Ambush. At what distance from the marker will an enemy unit render the
corps reliable; less than 4UD or 1UD? (cf. page 73) ?
A : A hesitant corps will be made reliable if enemy units move to 1UD from a unit in ambush or at 4UD
from one of the other units.

Q : A hesitant corps has some units in ambush. If an enemy units moves within 4UD from the Ambush,
can the player voluntarily reveal the ambush to make the corps reliable?
A : No. A unit in a hesitant corps that is in ambush cannot do anything, including revealing it’s presence
to the enemy. The ambush must wait until the enemy is 1UD away. When the ambush is revealed, if
there is not enough room to place the units in the terrain, they are placed by the umpire in a position he
thinks appropriate.

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Q : In the 100 points game, can the defending player deploy a second ambush markers if the general is a
Strategist ?
A : No. In that game, there is only one marker and only for the defending player.

Interpenetrating an ambush marker (see online notes)

Q: How do you manage the interpenetration of an ambush marker by friendly troops?
A: If a unit interpenetrates an ambush marker, all the units in the ambush are immediately revealed or
the marker removed if it is a fake. The interpenetration movement is then carried out as described on
page 43.

Deploying the corps

Q : Is a corps completely in ambush is considered as being on table ? Can you deploy it before the other two corps ?
A : No. you must first deploy the corps whose units are in part or completely visible on the table. Once
all the units are deployed on the table, the player can say that his deployment is over. The player need
not tell the opponent whether the invisible units are in ambush or in a flank march.

General hesitant and invisible

Q: The Commande-in-Chief wants to spend 2 CP to give a +1 test to a hesitant general to make it reliable. The
hesitant general is on a flank march or in ambush and therefore invisible (see page 26). Since the invisible body
must be activated first, how can the Commander-in-Chief give him a bonus?
A: In the particular case of a hesitant invisible body, the Commander-in-Chief is not obliged to activate it
first. He can roll his die first to be able to give 2 CP in order to have +1 to make the hesitant general
reliable.

OPTIONAL RULES
Big battles
Q : What are the command point ratings for 300 and 400 point games ?
A : Command points are the same in 200, 300 or 400 pts.

Army lists
Uniquely in the English version
List 85, Middle Imperial Roman. – Add “Forest” to the authorized terrains

Only in the Spanish version

List # 137 Khurasanian, the terrain types are Plain, Mountain and Steppes (and not Plain, Mountain and
Desert)

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