Warrior Ancient and Medieval Rules

[Frank Gilson]

Sometimes rules refer to "a rear rank".

In a body of troops, is there only ONE rear rank of elements? The last? or is any rank of elements behind the first "a rear rank"?

I also see "the rear rank(s)" used...implying that there is more than one rear rank of elements.

There does appear to be only ONE front rank of elements...as per how the term "the front rank" is used. I don't find "a front rank"...nor do I find a plural usage such as "a/the front ranks".

I come to this question from reading the Swiss infantry rules regarding swapping elements of Pike w/ 2HCT. Basically, can a Swiss infantry element of 2HCT swap from any rank behind a front rank Pike element with that Pike element?

Frank

[joncleaves]

There are occasions when "a rear rank" is used as short hand for any rank but the front rank.

This is one of them.

[Frank Gilson]

I take it then, from Swiss foot rule #6:
"A rear rank element armed with 2HCT may, during the H-T-H combat phase, replace a P-armed element directly to its front that fought in a prevous bound of the same combat,..."

This means, then, that such a 2HCT element can be anywhere directly behind the requisite P element?

Frank

[joncleaves]

Correct.

[Frank Gilson]

Thanks for the clarification ...