Warrior Ancient and Medieval Rules

[Matt Kollmer]

I was talking to Dad today about detachments, The underlying theme seemed to be that detachments are relatively useless.
Its true that it may save some pts, and the parent may rally the detached,(at the expence of disordering themselves! big minus in my book)
But tactically they seem to be a detriment rather than help.
The big place I've seen detachments to be useful are runners to chariots or elephants serving as a back rank in combat.
I guess I really want to see if there are places that they could work for the non El/ Ch army.
Some examples, German LI w/ HC
Byzantine Lancers/ HC B
Irish Galloglaich / Kerns
Toutonic Kn/ LC CB

Any thoughts?

Matt

[Frank Gilson]

Some detachments are relatively useless as they limit or damage the ability of the combined parent/child body juxtaposed to their separate function.

You'd also think that putting LI behind a rank of cavalry might be useful...well...in the grand scheme of things no, such HC/LI or LC/LI units are going to be unsuccessful as the combat advantage gained is washed out by the heavy movement limitations and serious negatives should the unit become disordered.

Khmer detachments of Elephants to reg LMI bodies are useful. Mongol LC (with JLS,B) detachments of HC L,B,Sh are great for use dismounting against elephants and can do some other tricks. There are a few other cases.

Frank