Newbie - can ranged troops fire every turn?

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4 years 2 months ago #3180 by Mark
1.
When it is a players turn can all their troops with ranged weapons fire (if within range)? Or is it only troops that have been ordered (using a command card)?

Troops with ranged weapons, if they can fire every turn, appear to have a big advantage over medium and heavy troops that can only engage in close combat infrequently (when commanded using a command card). Or have I got the rules wrong:

2.
When it is a players turn can all their troops next to enemy troops engage in close combat? Or is it only troops that have been ordered (using a command card) that can fight?

For example say I use a command card to move my light troops, can my heavy infantry next to enemy troops fight them?

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4 years 2 months ago #3181 by Mark-McG
1. & 2. Only ordered units may battle, ranged or close combat.

"I will either find a way, or make one."
attrib to Hannibal Barca

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4 years 2 months ago #3184 by Mark
Thank you for replying.

Doesn't that seem an odd rule?

So if I play a command card ordering my cavalry to move, my archer infantry can't fire, nor can my infantry do close combat with enemy units they are next to?

Wouldn't units next to enemy units be in the thick of fighting every turn they are next to enemy units - not just standing around looking at them? Similarly my units with ranged weapons, wouldn't they be using them every turn (without having to be ordered to via command cards) and not just be standing around.

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4 years 2 months ago #3185 by Mark-McG
guess I'm used to the rules, but each Command Card is but a small part of the battle, and the actions are not necessarily a chronological and even amount of time.

There are however certain logistical and physical limits to Ancient combat (and Medieval combat) that we don't necessarily understand from a modern perspective. For a starter, arrow supply is pretty limited, and archers spent time foraging arrows to re-supply. The English army of Crecy fame was a logistical wonder, supplied with 90,000 arrows if I recall. Wikipedia says 72 arrows per man, about a 15 minute supply at maximum rate. Ancient archers carried 20-40 arrows each. Javelins and spears were 2-3 per man.

Melee combat was also quite physically exhausting, and it was reported that frontline troops fought for 5-10 minutes, drew back to recover, fought again, over and over. At least one theory on Roman supremacy was the manipular system that allowed breaks in combat. However, whatever the theories, there is a physical endurance limit, and it is quite short.

So I think what you should consider these issues when thinking on the game.
What is very clear is that the rules allow only ordered units to battle. So in answer to your query;
So if I play a command card ordering my cavalry to move, my archer infantry can't fire, nor can my infantry do close combat with enemy units they are next to?
Correct, the archers cannot fire, and the infantry cannot do close combat.

"I will either find a way, or make one."
attrib to Hannibal Barca
The following user(s) said Thank You: Mark

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4 years 2 months ago #3186 by Mark
Thanks for the excellent explanation.

Are you based in the UK by the way? Is there a way I can find other C&C Ancient players near me (Gloucestershire)?

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4 years 2 months ago #3187 by Mark-McG
pretty far from the UK.. Sydney

I suggest BGG as well as here, see if there are any Gloucestershire locals.
Maybe click on owners and see any that rate it a 10!
Fair bit of scrolling though

Alternatively ask on the Forums there.. a bigger audience

"I will either find a way, or make one."
attrib to Hannibal Barca

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3 years 4 months ago - 3 years 4 months ago #3648 by bartok
7. Only those units (or Leaders) chosen to recieve an order from the played card may (its not a must) move, battle, or take special action.

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Last edit: 3 years 4 months ago by bartok.

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