Neighbouring Files - how far off can they be

[Hayung_is]

Hey all,

Before I get to the crux of the question, I understand that a "neighbouring file" is one in edge contact, facing the same direction and (the front edge) is parallel to another file, and that neighbouring files can be from other UGs.

My question is, how disjointed can you be and still be considered a neighbouring file (for shove and shatter for example)? My confusion comes from the difference in a 'supporting file' which has clear requirements and a 'neighbouring file' which I couldn't find a defined requirement other than above.

For example. I have two pike UGs (A and B), 4 ranks deep. If they were staggered such that the front rank of UGA aligned with rank 3 of UGB and both of these were engaged frontally by 2 enemy UGs, could the shoves generated by files in A or B benefit the other UG?

[lionheartrjc]

6.F 2.3.  Page 79 (PDF edition) - Neighbouring files are those next to, facing the same way and parallel to the file.    There is no other requirement mentioned in the rules.

In your example, the file would be a neighbouring file (so a shove or shatter could apply). 
A supporting file has to be in line or in front of the line of fighting (or be in such a position that aligning would result in being in line or in front of the line of fighting - 6.G page 81).

Hope that helps.

Richard

[nikgaukroger]

I think you may be over thinking this and looking for something that isn't there. As long as you meet the requirements you have quoted then you are a neighbouring file and can possibly get Shatter/Shove benefits.

Supporting files are a sub-set of neighbouring files with additional requirements.

[Hayung_is]

Thanks lads thats crystal clear.

You're very right, my confusion stemmed from an incorrect understanding of what a 'combat' was. Now I realise, a whole bunch of UGs in side contact fighting will be one combat and shove/shatter can travel down the line.