Isolated unit combat loss not working

[tempest]

Playing the TAO3 scenario by email, I observed the isolated unit additional combat loss mechanic not working. A stack of 2 4-step, isolated infantry units(hex 30,23 of attached game file) was attacked at 4-1 odds in forest with a result of double die D1 and D1. The units retreated correctly but lost only 1 step each as would be expected if they were not isolated. I later experimented with several attacks and found that an R result did result in an additional casualty(i.e. a double die D1 and D1R results in 3 step casualties) but a D1 was always just 1 step loss.

[Matthew Urch]

When a unit is forced to retreat through a combat result, but cannot, it no longer automatically takes a step loss. I think a normal unit has a 50% chance of taking an extra loss, an elite unit a 1/3 chance.

I think for isolated units they no longer take an extra step loss plus a retreat. I think they just retreat automtically and take a step loss if they can't.

Matthew

[tempest]

Matthew? Why aren't you working on our turns?
I should have noted that the retreat hex was not in a zoc and had no effect on losses. Note my comment that the isolated units took the same loss as if they had not been isolated(i.e. a D1,D1 resulted in 2 total step losses rather than 4). This is not per the isolated unit loss equation of the last sentence of manual 7.5.2 or the tutorial section 9.5 explanation. This behavior is in conflict with the documentation and since it is contrary to common sense not a documentation mistake but a mechanics implementation error i.e. a bug. Try playing the attached file and see for yourself.

[Matthew Urch]

...

[Matthew Urch]

I'm not playing our turns because I'm a bit pushed for time right now. . .oh and because getting my butt kicked all over the ardennes is a bit depressing! I will have to conceed defeat in our current games (another two mulligans?) If you're reading this Scott you take heart from the knowledge that Tempest beats me just as regularly as I beat you. . . .

Having reread your first post properly I can see that what you're describing looks like a bug. Its certainly not what I would expect to happen. Given that the units retreat in both cases due to isolation the "R" combat result should not affect the step losses. I would expect the units to take an extra step loss due to the effects of isolation, giving two step losses for each unit. Units don't generally take 3 step losses through one combat unless they cannot retreat, so in this case I wouldn't expect the retreat to make any difference.

Matthew

[BrubakerII]

If you're reading this Scott you take heart from the knowledge that Tempest beats me just as regulalry as I beat you. . . .

Matthew

I can barely wait for Rob's ladder to begin

Brubaker

[Rob Gjessing]

And Im sure I wont be on top of it..

btw, its not my ladder its *our* ladder (group hug)

[Rob Gjessing]

Arhh yeah you are correct. I think the manual is wrong though. Does anyone from SSG or Matrix know whats correct? The manual or the game?