Conforming Skirmishers

"Skirmishers" in DBM refers to both Light Horse and Psiloi, both conform when contacted by larger groups. The following example uses Light Horse, but is equally applicable to Psiloi as well.

Diagrams drawn to 15mm scale, all dimensions in "mm" unless otherwise specified.
	Fig A - a group of Cv is intending to charge into the smaller group of enemy LH. To wheel and contact both LH elements is outside the movement of the Cv group. Instead, they will attempt to attack the closest LH by forcing it to conform.
	Fig B1 - the Cv group moves directly forward and contacts the closest LH element with right front corner. The LH will not conform to this move as the contacting Cv element is required to make contact with its front edge, not front corner. This move is illegal as the contact made will not result in combat.
	Fig B2 - (replay) the Cv group must get into "front edge" contact to force the LH element to conform. This may be achieved by first wheeling the Cv group to the right......
	Fig C - ....then moving directly forward into contact.
	Fig. D - The single LH element now conforms immediately to the Cv that has made contact. By conforming "immediately" means the LH must pivot and shift sideways to line up when the player executes the move, not at the end of the bound as with flank contacts.

The relevant section of the rules covering the above example is;

Movement restrictions (page 18, para 3):
"When an element which is not part of a group or which is part of a group entirely of skirmishers is contacted by the front edge of an enemy element which is part of a larger group, it must immediately pivot and/or shift sideways as necessary to exactly face the element contacting it, unless already in contact with enemy to its front or either of the following apply:

• It is defending fortifications or the edge of a terrain feature, or is of a type that does not turn to face flank contact.
• This will position it so that a recoil would meet a friendly element it could not pass through or push back enough to fully recoil, or a flee move from combat would take it off table, even if recoil or flee is not a possible outcome."
• There is insufficient space for it to pivot or shift.