Theban/Macedonian Echelon/Refused Flank formation

Markhinds! Thank you for the image. That’s exactly what I was talking about and I think your point about the 3 groups is the thing that was concerning me... needing 3 pips to move the whole army forward but perhaps you stay put until you roll a 3. Defending in echelon would be easier than attacking in echelon

But as you said if it takes the opponent several moves to get into contact anyway then 3 groups is aok.

Thanks! I shall try this.

Chris

Mark:
Let me alleviate your discomfort.

We would all prefer a FAQ or updates from the authors of DBA. Unfortunately for us, Phil and Sue will not write a FAQ or probably give any more interpretations on DBA. Phil has retired and Sue is caring for him. Because of this, the Barkers have given us (the FAQ team) and others their blessing in producing the FAQ and making rulings for tournaments (as an example, Tom Thomas actually was granted that for US Tournaments). They appreciate the value of the on-going support for the rules.

This is independently verifiable. I, Tom and others have those communications... and ones further thanking us for our work.

As to knowing the minds of Phil, Sue and the other authors, most on the team have several years of experience working with them on the development of the rules. Some of the rules are actually the verbatim wording from members of the FAQ team. The development of DBA 3 was truly a fun(though sometimes exasperating) and collaborative effort. Further, we have a body of approximately 8000 emails from the development period from which to research.

Finally, on several occasions the authors of the rules have responded directly to our questions when there was dispute.

As to how this compares to the NASAMW interps... I cannot answer. I am aware of those interpretations. I used them when playing 7th edition. I know nothing of their development or history.

As to your final discomfort on the FAQ representing "the personal opinions of a small subset of DBA players", I am not sure how to answer. Given the above facts, I can't think of another way to offer continuing support for DBA.

In any case, I hope this helps to alleviate your discomfort.

Joe Collins

We do the best we can - but I'm the first to admit its a lot sausage making (at least in some cases).

Always worth while to report back what seems to work and where we may have been less than majestical in our interps.

TomT
FAQer

I think the 8Sp makes this appear a unique question, but I think echelon attacks are likely the most common plan I come up with.

With only 4 elements needed to win, where do I want the match ups? More than 1 element of overlapping a line requires a lot of pips to be helpful. Most of my experience with this has been fighting Romans with Barbarians. I try to break the Roman line more than one place and then follow through that space and make the other player play reactive.

I’d love to see more discussion of tactical plans and armies using them (and comparisons to the history) rather than trying to figure out that last 5 percent of rules usage that needs to be ironed out.

Bill

Some sort of half-man half-turkey from an old D&D Monster Manual?