Fleeing Elements

[fbfassan]

Hi.

Flee Rules, p.41

1) you have to pivot to avoid ending the move closest to enemies (unless this would then be more than 800p away);

2) you cannot change direction if other enemies are visible in the new direction within 400p.

please, can you explain to me this rule ?

[LawrenceG1]

1) you have to pivot to avoid ending the move closest to enemies (unless this would then be more than 800p away);

2) you cannot change direction if other enemies are visible in the new direction within 400p.

In the way you present the question, item 2 appears redundant: If there is other enemy in the new direction within 400p then you will not avoid ending closer to enemy within 800p.  You will have to increase your angle of deviation to avoid ending closer to them as well. So in this case the 400p limit is not relevant.

However, the rule as written (RAW) is:

It cannot change direction if other enemy, friends it could not pass through or by, or impassable terrain are visible
in the new direction within 400p.

The 400p limit has an effect if there are friends or impassable terrain in the new direction.

[fbfassan]

Many thanks.
The " new direction" is the direction of the fleeing element after the pivot ?

[Fon Tok Nak]

After any initial recoil and turn, the element in question is fleeing away from whatever caused the panic. By continuing to run in the direction it is now heading, it may come into contact with friends it cannot pass through or by, or with impassable terrain *during its flee move*, or just move closer to enemy within 800 paces. It should try to avoid doing any of these if possible. To do so, it can make one turn of up to 90 degrees.

However, if that turn leaves it pointing at something similar to that which it is trying to avoid (any of friends it cannot pass through or by, impassable terrain or enemy) *and* that other is not more than 400 paces away *and* is also visible, then it does not get to turn at all, but instead must continue on its original course and suffer the consequences.

In short, in its panic, a fleeing element will look for a way to safety and avoid an obstacle in its immediate path, if all it sees are other obstacles, it just carries straight on regardless.

Note, while the '800 paces' bit is relevant, don't get too hung up on it at first - just get used to moving away from all enemy within the immediate vicinity and after a few flees, it will click how the 800 fits in.

Anthony

[Fon Tok Nak]

Many thanks.
The " new direction" is the direction of the fleeing element after the pivot ?

Yes

[fbfassan]

Hi
Thanks for your answers.