Knights vs. Blades and combat outcome scores?

Others will surely reply with more analytical replies and/or direct knowledge of Phil Barker's thinking from the DBA-3 development.  My guess is that Phil wanted a more of chance that Blades would destroy Knights (i.e. more than simply doubling the Kn), based on historical evidence, etc.  The tie-score result provides that outcome in a simple and elegant way.

It's also very exciting when it happens, right?  So, I'd say, just enjoy it.  The outcome seems plausible (to me, at least), and it really adds to the entertainment value of the game.  

If you want to rationalise it, you might think that knights rely on impact for their success, and if brought to a halt (so equal scores) they are more vulnerable to the agile blades. If they score less than the blades and "bounce off" as it were, they can rally back with a view to trying again. If you choose this option, you will have to think of another reason why longbows and, particularly , crossbows, have the same effect on the knights!
Scott

that is what i like about the game it has its subtleties, like when i first started I thought Psloi were not much use but I have since learned they are great for holding up enemies and buying time.

The Destroyed on Equals result (which we call Cry Havoc) covers the rather unusual situation where neither side gives ground. Generally if one side gets the upper hand the other falls back but in some situations you get a sustained melee - generally because one side has misunderstood the situation. Knights charged with little regard to finesse and so are particularly susceptible to getting stuck in and not realizing they need to get out of a dangerous situation. Knights stuck in against Blades are liable to be chopped up as lances are clumsy close in while blades are not, likewise milling in front of stakes while being hit by close range archery invites disaster.

So while the rule appears to be as an abstraction, it is not, but is a very real world result. Calling it Cry Havoc seemed to instantly help players understand the result. If anything we under used it - its a good idea for Lights v. Behemoths and also covers the very dangerous situation for Pikes stopped by nimble Blades. I also use it for Heroes v. Dragons (a sword to the beasts heart being a classic method to dispatch). It should only be used, however, in situations where one side has a substantial advantage in close fighting.

TomT