As always, there were a couple of items that came up during the tournaments that could use a bit of clarification.

1) The question came up of why mounted troops were able to count lances (a +3 weapon modifier) when they were not charging or counter-charging. I explained that the lances were not yet shattered from initial impact and even though the unit appears to be just standing there, we assume that the mounted troops are actually readying themselves for the coming attack by beginning to move forward, even though this is not physically done on the table.

2) Another point was the situation where a Galwegian warband was in normal movement range of an enemy loose order archer unit with an enemy mounted unit behind the archers. The warband has to charge the archers unless restrained with a Recover order. Being a warband, they are considered Fanatics up to and including the first round of close combat, so they are frenzied.

The warband charged, the archers had Retreat orders (anticipating the charge) so turned and ran, dropping back stands to clear the cavalry unit behind them (you don't want to interpenetrate the cavalry or both units would them be disordered).

The cavalry had Advance orders, so converted these to a Counter-charge as the warband came at them. The question was, does the warband stop in its tracks and take the mounted charge at the halt?

No. The rules specifically state under Charge Cancellation (pg. 47 of the July edition) that an infantry unit in the open must be "charged by a non-skirmisher mounted unit." A counter-charge is not the same as a charge. It is a reactive move, not a pro-active one, thus the Galwegians continue their charge and meet the cavalry wherever the pro-rated charge and counter-charge moves meet.

3) Pre-measurement came up. If players want to pre-measure, fine, but I think it's a more interesting game when they are not allowed to. We may make a tournament rule that unless both players agree to pre-measurement, then it is not allowed. Any comments or thoughts on this?

4) Another question came up as to when a unit being fired upon and losing a stand takes a morale check. I ruled that all that could be directed upon the unit must be adjudicated before the morale test is taken as the fire upon a single unit is considered a simultaneous result. This gives your SI an even more effective screening ability.

5) A couple of the players were concerned about Advancing into contact (a sure thing to hit when within range) and Charging (not always a sure thing). The advantage of a Charge is that is can be rolled up to frenzied (unless Trained or Elephant/Artillery/WWagon), and also receives the d6 or 1/2 d6 combat roll modifier. Advancing into contact has no tactical advantage, but it's better to simply move into SI than to Charge them...and see them run away, leaving you ending the charge move disordered!

6) Finally, there was a concern voiced about off board reserves not having to take Attrition when appearing as Ambushers or off board Flank Marchers are forced to. I explained that ambushers and flank marchers are far away from the commander's eye. They would take advantage of this by going home, finding a place to catch a nap, deserting or getting into the nearest available alcohol! Reserves are under the eye of their commander, and as such, would keep their places.

In the rules on page 14, Standard Formations, under 'Mass", somehow a line has been eliminated along the way. Please add before the first sentence under "Mass", "A Mass formation is deeper than it is wide." So if you have a formation like:

xxxx xxxx xxxx  this is still considered a Line. 
xxxx xxxx xxxx
xxxx xxxx xxxx

If your formation is:

xxxx xxxx  this is considered a Mass. It is deeper than it is wide.
xxxx xxxx
xxxx xxxx

The second thing is under Mounted Breakthrough on page 49. In the second sentence, after "...one or two ranks deep..." add "...and not in schiltron or square...,". This prevents a mounted unit from riding through a schiltron until the formation is lost due to being fragmented.

The difference between Fanatics and Frenzied units

Yes, there is a difference. Fanatics were crazy all the time, while frenzied troops just got overly excited for awhile. Warbands do count as being Fanatics until they have fought their initial round their first close combat, then they are Warriors.

Fanatics are required to charge into/through delaying terrain (but not terrain they could not possibly get through, i.e. Fanatic cavalry are not required to charge into dense terrain as they can't move in it). Fanatics figure they if they have a chance at getting at someone, anyone, go for it.

So, if you are using large numbers of warbands or fanatics, they fight great, but they sure act foolishly!