Short range battles vs artillery

Turbo · Post by **Turbo** » Oct 01 2005

Hi!
This is my first post and I don't know how short range battles are computed but I have this suggestion:
If you have say, a stack of units consisting of a tank battallion and an artillery unit, both with a firing range lower than one hex, it would be interesting to still be able to use the tanks as a shield for the artillery.
For instance, enemy units with less than one hex range should be forced to first target the direct fire units pointing at them in that stack (the tanks in this case). You could test vs. the unit's Stand-Off flag for this.
As you can see, the enemy could still attack the artillery with a second unit attacking from another hex!

red · Post by **red** » Oct 01 2005

Units attacking a stack with a tank and artillery already must destroy the tank first, but attacking from the side doesn't change that rule. Note also that all units have at least a one hex range.

Turbo · Post by **Turbo** » Oct 01 2005

I see. I guessed it, but I just was not sure of that rule. Thanks!

Post by **Balthagor** » Oct 01 2005

Always reassuring when players suggest things we're already doing. Good to know we're on the right track

Gresbeck · Post by **Gresbeck** » Oct 03 2005

Units attacking a stack with a tank and artillery already must destroy the tank first, but attacking from the side doesn't change that rule. Note also that all units have at least a one hex range.

Why? If arty has indirect fire capability, I see no reason why it should fire tanks or any other troops in front line.

Draken · Post by **Draken** » Oct 03 2005

I think that he's talking about direct fire attacking units...

Post by **Balthagor** » Oct 03 2005

Draken is correct, indirect units fire at the hex, not the unit (although one units is marked as the primary target and takes the most damage) so every unit in the hex would take damage. The stand off rule stops direct attack units from engaging protected stand off units.