BASIC IMPETUS Part4: Movement

Continuing the Impetus series, here we take a look at how units move around and the implications encountered in doing so.

This is a fairly large section with some situations that may take a while to sink in.

1.    In General

A unit can only move once (and normally only straight ahead) up to its specified movement rate given in multiples if “H”.

CL and S may move an additional 2H but in doing so …

Cannot charge.

Cannot be in or enter an enemy Zone of Control.

Cannot be in Terrain that disorders them.

Cannot shoot

2.    Wheeling

A unit or group can wheel once per movement (ahead only, not to its rear). If not Disordered, it can wheel and then move the remainder of its distance (but not vice versa), but will be Disordered at the end of the move.

You cannot contact the enemy with a wheel

Artillery and chariots have additional rules that limit their wheeling ability.

3.    Other Movement

Units can also make OBLIQUE, SIDEWAYS, REARWARD, and ABOUT-FACE manoeuvres.

These are only allowed for individual units and Disorder the unit after completion (unless S, CL, CGL, or other special types mentioned in the army lists).

FL (if not Warband or a Large Unit) and CM can make a sideways or an oblique move without being disordered up to a maximum of 1H.

No oblique move is allowed in Terrain that disorder.

You cannot perform oblique/side/rear moves if you are already Disordered The one exception is that Skirmishers and Light Cavalry Units can perform a rear movement (but not sideways/ oblique) even if they are disordered.

You may not contact the enemy with one of these moves.

A Unit not in melee and not in Disorder can perform an about-face. Such a move must be the only action for this activation

4.    Zone of Control - ZoC

Every Unit, not disordered and not in melee, has a Zone of Control (ZoC) that extends the front edge out by 1H.

There are restrictions on movement within the ZoC. 

5.    Charge

When a unit moves to contact an enemy, it is said to CHARGE.

Some units have an extended movement distance when they charge, and all units may roll to try to gain an additional H of movement to contact.

You can wheel and charge if not disordered begore the wheel, but will be Disordered on contact.

Some troops are considered Impetuous and must charge an enemy when they get within charge distance.

6.    Interpenetration

A series of paragraphs determine which units can voluntarily interpenetrate other types.

There are also a number of situations noted regarding troops not having sufficient movement to reach the other side of units they interpenetrate.

And another series of situations for involuntary interpenetration due to evades and retreats.

7.    Evasion

CL and S can attempt to evade if charged. This is determined by a dice roll. The distance they evade is a single move straight backwards. The charger may roll for extra move.

 

Next time, we take a look at how units engage in missile fire.