Some questions regarding the Proximity Rule

[Ken Portner]

The Proximity rules says that once a unit gets within 12" of the enemy all of its movement must be within its front or rear quarters.

1. Is there any other restriction to this movement? I.e. does the unit have to move straight without chaning facing or can it move sideways, forward first and then sidewasy, etc. as long as it stays completely within its front or rear quarter?


2. Does the entire unit have to stay within its front or rear quarter or only the front of the units? For example, is it ok if the units rear extends out into a side quarter?


Thanks.

[Big Al]

There is no sideways movement at all. The proximity rule was designed to stop players from being "gamey" and moving a unit around onto an enemy unit's flank before charging, when it could and would charge the front.

Formation changes, including the expansion or contraction of a unit's front, are allowed. A search of the Black Powder discussion section will reveal an explanation by Rick Priestley, IIRC.

[Ken Portner]

There is no sideways movement at all. The proximity rule was designed to stop players from being "gamey" and moving a unit around onto an enemy unit's flank before charging, when it could and would charge the front.

Formation changes, including the expansion or contraction of a unit's front, are allowed. A search of the Black Powder discussion section will reveal an explanation by Rick Priestley, IIRC.

Except that it is possible to move sideways and still have all movement be in the unit's front quarter (assuming its the front quarter as it exists when the unit starts the move)

This restriction will usually mean you can't get on an enemy's flank if it's facing you, but could still allow sideways movement after some forward movement.

[Big Al]

Well, yes, at a 45 degree angle. The unit will move forward at that angle. The sideways movement is into either flank quarter. Moving crab-like in close proximity to an enemy unit is what it is trying to prevent.

Of course, there is one exception, when your commander blunders and a move sideways is the result of the roll on the table. If you feel that such a result shouldn't be allowed when within proximity, then a house rule would be needed either to re-roll the result or automatically use the next result on the table.