MeG

Mortem et Gloriam Players forum => Player Discussion => Topic started by: ianhambly on July 04, 2025, 02:03:43 PM

Title: Suggested battleline movement
Post by: ianhambly on July 04, 2025, 02:03:43 PM
I have noted that many battlelines described in medieval and ancient battles shift during melee.  Units are pushed back and flanks exposed.  To represent this in MeG can I suggest some options:

1. Skulls in melee or charge combat in indicate a push as well.  The loser is pushed back 1 base depth of the unit.  If both sides roll at least one skull each, no push occurs.
2.  Shove (and shatter in charge) can increase this when an 'S' is rolled with an additional base depth.
Title: Re: Suggested battleline movement
Post by: lionheartrjc on July 04, 2025, 06:48:20 PM
Hi Ian,

Thanks for your suggestions, feel free to keep them coming.

In response: This idea was considered when the rules were being developed.  The reason we did not include this was that it becomes messy from a rules perspective.  What happens if the unit bumps into friends or enemy? What about supporting files?  The complexity was felt to outweigh any benefit.  While I accept battlelines shifted, how much was this due to melee?
Title: Re: Suggested battleline movement
Post by: nikgaukroger on July 05, 2025, 06:59:39 PM
Personally I've long felt that push backs are unnecessary and that most cases historically would occur within the (over-depth) footprint of our tabletop units.

There are some exceptions, obviously, and in some cases were quite extreme - however, I think a broad period rule set can live without the additional complication.

Title: Re: Suggested battleline movement
Post by: SteveO on July 06, 2025, 12:40:56 AM
+1
Title: Re: Suggested battleline movement
Post by: ianhambly on July 10, 2025, 01:11:09 PM
Thank you for all the replies.  I agree that it will add a degree of complexity to a already complex game.  I agree with the comment that the battleline is a small proportion of the base size