I have read and reread page 9. I am happy with the charge and failed charge points BUT we have just had the case where a Viking (Hero lead) group has charged the Saxons (also lead by their hero) rolled only 2" on their D6 so has ended up about an inch and a half away from the Saxons. Fine they get -1 Defence. However the Saxons are now within 3" of the Saxons. The Saxon player rightly said I don't want to charge and Suffer the penalty as I can form up my shield Castle. The Vikings are now really close, in the next turn do they / can they...
A. accept the failed charge condition for being within 3" and die heroically on the shield castle the Saxons have now built.
B. Move back a couple of inches so as to have another at the next turn again that. (This could potentially be foiled by the Saxons moving up in response.)
C. Simply move into contact and not call it a charge!
Actually writing this has helped but I can sort of imagine a short distance standoff with neither wanting to charge and just hurling insults at each other. The important point is can units simply 'move' into contact?
Thanks for helpful the clarification.
Hi Ian, Yes units can just move into contact, they just obviously won't receive a charge bonus.
All three options are perfectly valid tactics. It's risky regardless of what option you choose. At that distance, if your opponent chooses not to move and castle up, the other option you have is to give a run order and potentially flank the formation if you have the distance available from the die roll and if they are a front facing formation with an exposed rear.