Clarification on fortifications

Hi,
If a unit of T are behind a fortification is the range taken from the unit or the fortification?
Also if the unit is attacked is the attacking unit considered to be in base contact with the defending unit or the fortification?
I tend to think that they are in contact with the defending unit and not the fortification and that the shooting range is taken from and to that unit.

Geoff

Personally I would measure from the unit firing as you do. For attacking I would also stick with the unit as the attacker has to be able to get across the fortification to get into contact.

I don't really play with fortifications though ........

Here is another question - can you place a fortification in ambush using the normal ambush rules but then reveal the fortification at the start before players work out deployment. Allows you to place a fortification in advance of the deployment zone if you have got major control of the battlefield and decided to be the defender placing terrain.

Sure there would be examples of fortifications on the edges of woods being used - plashed woods for example.

Chewers Jez

we have always measured from the fortifications

It is interesting the rules don`t give specific instructions on something this basic. I had hesitated to respond because I can`t remember exactly how we do it and wanted to ask my gaming partners (I have no list with fortifications but have assaulted them enough times.) If my memory is correct we measure to the unit as well.

As an aside, I would say no to fortifications being included in ambushes. The rules always refer to units when marking for ambushes. Still, an interesting idea.

Fortifications can be used as ambushes but it is totally counter productive as an ambush as you always place fortifications when you deploy your camp.

"Hey Brutus - look over there - the Carthaginians have built a wall on the edge of that wood - don't suppose there's anyone there do you?"

On the other hand it is useful if you want to anchor a flank on a wood - the rules allow forward deployment as above so there is no reason why you cant forward deploy behind fortifications

Hi Cyrus (Ken)

I thought the way you used the fortifications in the recent competitions game at Derby seemed historical and appropriate - especially to suit the Hussite army.

As you use these regularly do you measure shooting from the fortification or from the unit base? I have my Landsknechte army and know they have the option for fortifications as well.

Cheers Jez

If you read through the section on Ambushes in AI it always mentions "units" being deployed in ambushes. Are we to understand that fortifications are units? If so, I wish the rules would explicitly state this.

I've always assumed that all measurements, for melee contact and shooting range, are taken from the front edge of the fortification. It seems neater and more practicle that way. I thought I'd read a clarification somewhere to that effect, but cannot find it now, might have been another rule set altogether.

TD

measurements are taken from fortifications. Now, if players agree in a different way in a friendly way (and in advance) it is ok. This may depend on how the fortification is made as model.

As for fortification and ambushes you can place a fortification in a terrain were you could make an ambush but the deployment is not hidden. A Fortification is not a Unit.

Thanks Lorenzo. I think it would be a good idea to include this information in Advance Impetus as in neither case is it obvious from reading the rules.

With regard to measuring think we've always measured unit to unit....as Lorenzo says so long as there's consistency doesn't really matter.

Thanks for that, The only problem I can see with measuring to the fortification rather than the unit is that if a group of units in line charge another group of units in line but one of them is behind a fortification you could spend a long time deciding who is in contact. I'll stick with measuring unit to unit.

Geoff

We talked it over last night and we have decided to measure to the unit. I think your observation Geoff is illustrative to why it works better to measure to the unit.