Declaring chargers and its impact on forced chargers

[Glen2Moore]

A TUG of cataphracts (devastating chargers) is facing infantry less than 3BW directly ahead. Some enemy cavalry is not directly ahead but just to one side of the target infantry.

In the declaring charges phase (2.2) the enemy cavalry declare a charge, needing a wheel at the start) on the cataphracts (to protect the infantry). The owner of the cataphracts does not have the command to stop them from a Forced Charge. So when it comes to the forced charges phase (2.3) who do the cataphracts declare their forced charge at? A) The infantry directly ahead, which would leave their flank open to the charging enemy cavalry or B) the enemy cavalry who theoretically would be charging into their front as they move forward. In situation (B) feels like you should consider identifying the charge path in the same way that it is done for shooting at chargers.

A third option would be C) for the cataphracts to declare a charge at phase 2.2 (but loose the Devastating Charge ability) at the enemy cavalry before it has to force charge in 2.3. I get the impression from the rules that this is not allowed. Is this correct?

If the cataphracts had held their charge in 2.2 could they then still declare a countercharge in 2.4 if they had the command to do so?

[nikgaukroger]

If forced to declare a charge in 2.3 these are declared in the same way as any other charge so can include a wheel of up to 90 degrees - just indicate the charge direction when you make the declaration like any other charge.

There is nothing stopping the unit with Dev Charge declaring their charge in 2.2 and again is done in exactly the same was as any other charge. They do not lose their Dev Charge for declaring their charge at this point.

If held in 2.2 you can still Counter Charge in 2.4.

[LawrenceG]

Am I right in thinking Devastating Charge counts always counts, even if you stand to receive a charge (same as charging Lancer)?

[nikgaukroger]

Yes, you always get the claim assuming you are in 2 ranks (with the exceptions per QRS). The rules bit is in the glossary under Charge (nicely hidden away )

[nikgaukroger]

If forced to declare a charge in 2.3 these are declared in the same way as any other charge so can include a wheel of up to 90 degrees - just indicate the charge direction when you make the declaration like any other charge.

NB forced charges must be "at enemy TUGs within 3 BW directly ahead" (page 117) so you do still need to ain to contact the enemy who are triggering the forced charge with your path of charge which will probably rule out too much of a wheel.