Random risk of low str units shattering regardless of combat odds?

[AshFall]

I was wondering if there is something like this in the game. I've noticed several times when attacking very low str units, at 2 str or so, that they've shattered despite the attack odds being 0-0.

[BillRunacre]

There's nothing built into the code to make low strength units more likely to lose strength points as such, at least nothing hidden, i.e. their morale and readiness will tend to be lower.

Previously unseen factors would tend to favour the defender, e.g. defensive artillery, assuming that in the examples in question the low strength unit is the defender.

So I'm not sure, at least not if the dice rolls remain set to -1/+1 (they can be changed so there is more variability, but you would see that throughout the game).

We would need an example, ideally with a saved turn from before the combat, to really comment further.

[Duedman]

I encountered that too occasionally that an attack on a unit with like 2 strength forecasts a 0:0 but ends with the enemy unit dead.
I think I read something in the manual about "weak units that want to retreat but can not will surrender"
I never ever saw a unit surrender. But I saw quite a few dead units where a +1/-1 would not have been enough for a kill.

[BillRunacre]

Ah, I think you've found the answer Duedman, I'd not thought of that but it would explain this perfectly, well done.

[AshFall]

I encountered that too occasionally that an attack on a unit with like 2 strength forecasts a 0:0 but ends with the enemy unit dead.
I think I read something in the manual about "weak units that want to retreat but can not will surrender"
I never ever saw a unit surrender. But I saw quite a few dead units where a +1/-1 would not have been enough for a kill.

There we have it! Excellent thinking. I'll keep an eye out if it ever happens when the unit has a path to retreat. What confused is that the game says the unit "shatters" instead of "surrenders".

[Duedman]

yeah that always bugged me too. No "surrender" message of some sort
But if you play the game a LOT u begin to notice that there is some chance to actually get rid of some stubborn surrounded unit that would otherwise cost you a turn