PACTO Shatter & Shove

[Ambiorix]

During the recent MAXIMUS comp in Brussels we tested the PACTO version of Shatter & Shove.
My experience is that it indeed speeds up the play but it favours small frontage units (like pikes and lancers) as it also applies if only 1 base is in contact. Good for PACTO but MAXIMUS is a game with bigger units.  So I suggest making a small change to the PACTO rule of Shatter & Shove when applied in MAXIMUS. :

If S or Skull is rolled, it applies (only) to the neighbouring file (as today in MAXIMUS) – so roll extra green or white dice with only the neighbouring base (if existing).

To me this seems more suitable as the impact on current rule is minimized (only speeding up, not changing the rule).
To illustrate an extreme example – hit in the flank with 1 base only, at 7+,  2 red dices : result 2 red skulls and an extra green skull from shatter : 1 base killing 3 bases with 1 single blow ! 
Believe me it can happen, ask Richard as he was the culprit  .

[lionheartrjc]

I firmly disagree.  I think the requirement for a neighbouring file brings back all the problems of the current rule and cheesy moves to minimise the number of files in combat.
I think the potential peril of 3 skulls from a single file is part of the attraction.  (A 1 in 54 chance on a Double Red combat).   I have had it happen to me as well as inflicting it! 

Richard

[nikgaukroger]

I firmly disagree.  I think the requirement for a neighbouring file brings back all the problems of the current rule and cheesy moves to minimise the number of files in combat.
I think the potential peril of 3 skulls from a single file is part of the attraction.  (A 1 in 54 chance on a Double Red combat).   I have had it happen to me as well as inflicting it! 

Richard

I concur.