Quote Originally Posted by [b
Quote[/b] (Cid @ Nov. 12 2002,18:49)]Does the Alt.left click command work while troops are engaged or is it more of a pre engagement positioning command? For example, if I had 3 groups of spearmen actually engaged and I used this command, would they take a morale hit, attempt to turn their backs to reach the designated area etc. . . . "
First, a correction: you don't have to use the "G" grouping command before an alt-left click, only before an alt-right click [to change the facing of the group as a formation instead of as individual units--very useful] to the extent I implied otherwise above I mis-spoke). You can use the alt-left click command by just selecting the units.

Second, good question, here is my answer:

Issuing commands to an engaged unit is normally quite risky because they almost always have to break formation to follow the order, and that is dangerous (they stop fighting to move, may present their rear, and take morale hits for being disordered).

I believe, technically, it will work for troops that are engaged. However, in practice, you would [almost] never issue such a command. Let me tell you why. First, you are correct, you would take a morale hit as soon as you turn your back. You also take a morale hit as your formation breaks up to make the about-face. Then you take defense penalties because you are getting attacked from the back [try it and see your casualties sky-rocket] The practical effect of all these factors is almost always an immediate rout. Of course, fast Cavalry is good at disengaging from infantry. If you are trying to disengage with a faster unit (or a unit with high valor/morale) you have a good chance of pulling it off--use a alt-left double-click to be safe. (or alt-left click followed by CTRL-R).

Otherwise I would suggest ordering a rout--it works much better than a withdrwal or disengage order. Routing units run directly away from the enemy as fast as possible and dont give your units rout penalties (some exceptions, but generally no penalties to your troops). Once they get a safe distance away they are easier to rally than if they had routed on their own. Sometimes you can trick the enemy by quickly rallying and slamming him before he realizes it was a trick. My cav uses this trick against archers all the time to great effect.

So, to answer-- its normally a pre-engagement movement order. But..hmm....I wonder if a Cannae type tactic might work by routing the front-center before the enemy actually engages. Heh, they would think they had routed you and would naturally follow, expecting a chain rout of your wings. Your wings which arent getting hit with rout penalties will be fine....your center will rally fast because no casualties... wow, this might be the best way to make a Cannae tactic work...I will experiment. Still very very tricky, but if it was practiced enough I bet it would work.