Hello,
If anyone out there still plays or remembers how they played these rules, I would appreciate some input on the following question (I searched both the yahoo group, where the last posting was in 2014, and the TMP message boards already).
1. The rules on melee say that the attacker matches figures vs the defender, and explain that you can't match more than 2 figs vs 1, and that you can't double up until all have been matched 1 vs 1. This is fine--until you have a smaller unit attacking a larger one. What do you do then? For instance, if you have 4 figures attacking 8, what happens to the extra 4 defenders? The rules would suggest that they aren't engaged, which is how we've played it, but which always seems dead wrong.
2. Formations and shape in general. When the defender is arrayed in a small area, or in two rank formation (we're playing earlier era where formations are in play) and the attacker matches 1 vs 1, you get a very odd effect where the attackers circle the defenders in order to match. How do you reconcile the inherent contradiction between matching 1 vs 1 and making the posture of the figures on the table matter?
3. What happens when a formed unit charges? Do you break the figures up to match them vs defenders? (Is it still formed then?).
4. I have found that when I try to make unit posture matter and limit the "circle" effect in some way, that wherever the wrap around ends there is a 2 v 1 in favor of the attacker (usually vs the figures at the ends of the 1st line, for instance). So it seems an all or nothing problem: you either allow the "circle" or you grant a gamey advantage to the attacker. Anyone come up with a system that seems fair to both and avoids these issues?
Any input would be appreciated.
Best,
Ed M