"Potential" support and break tests... again!

[Dr Dave]

I'm sure it's been asked, but we just needed clarification. It's that word again - "potentially"! We had a unit destroyed in melee - one with several units enganged. We ended up playing it that units already supporting other could have potnetially supported the borken unit so they tested - even if in melee themselves. So... in effect we played it that it really means all friendly units within 6" have to test. Isn't this what the rule actually (or even potentially!) means?

[zedeyejoe]

I think Black Powder is a game where you are supposed to sort these things out yourselves and play in the way that suits you best.We were told that units cannot rally but we think they can, so we let them rally.

[Big Al]

zedeyejoe said:

I think Black Powder is a game where you are supposed to sort these things out yourselves and play in the way that suits you best.We were told that units cannot rally but we think they can, so we let them rally.

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 Zedeye, you need to explain what you mean by "Rally". Dr Dave might not realise what you mean. You see, within the rules you can "Rally" by issuing a Rally order. But it isn't the same thing. Nor can you rally from a Break result on a break test. I suspect that you are talking about Broken Brigades, but I don't want to presume. Yes Dave, you're partially right about "potentially" meaning friends within 6 inches. The units must be in a position where they could support. In other words, not those units that are ahead of the losing unit, nor those that are already in combat. The main thing that this is intended to cover is those units that don't count as support because another unit is already supporting from that position. For example, your unit has two friendly units on its right flank and within 6 inches. The fighting unit will only get +1 for support on that flank because only one unit can support a flank. However, when the unit loses, both of the units on the right flank must take a break test.  

[zedeyejoe]

Big Al said:

 You see, within the rules you can "Rally" by issuing a Rally order.  

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 But others think not. So indeed we play it the way that suits us - which was my point and suggestion.

[Big Al]

zedeyejoe said:

Big Al said:

 You see, within the rules you can "Rally" by issuing a Rally order. 

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 But others think not. So indeed we play it the way that suits us - which was my point and suggestion.

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 "Other people think not" in what way? The Rally order only allows you to remove a stamina marker. How do they not think that?

[zedeyejoe]

Yep you have it, they do not think you can Rally. So they will play it their way, thats fine.

[Big Al]

Ah! I thought you were alluding to not being able to rally units that are disordered or shaken when a brigade reaches the 50% point. That is the main complaint I hear. A lot of people feel that they should be able to recover that and allow brigades to continue. What I feel they overlook is that there isn't any other Army Break Point in the game. The term "Rally" is different things to different people.

[zedeyejoe]

Ah the trick there is not to have 2 unit brigades. Odd numbers are good, big brigades take more losses. I would aim to have brigades of 3-5 units.

[grecian1959]

re 2 unit brigades----agreed though can be difficult with the cavalry unless you count the attached artillery when you roll

[charge the guns]

Big Al said:

Yes Dave, you're partially right about "potentially" meaning friends within 6 inches. The units must be in a position where they could support. In other words, not those units that are ahead of the losing unit, nor those that are already in combat. The main thing that this is intended to cover is those units that don't count as support because another unit is already supporting from that position. For example, your unit has two friendly units on its right flank and within 6 inches. The fighting unit will only get +1 for support on that flank because only one unit can support a flank. However, when the unit loses, both of the units on the right flank must take a break test.  

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This willy-nilly dragging in of other units to the melee just doesn't feel right and proper.  First of all, it makes things more complicated, which as we all know, "is a bad thing".  If you affect units fighting in other combats it feels like things will get way out of hand.  I suppose it comes down to the effect you want.  If you want a nice dramatic 6" blast radius around broken units in combat then just say everyone in 6" takes a test.It all has the sniff of weasels about it .