Random movement and reforms (squig hoppers)

The question is not addressed as such in the BRB, but the answer seems to be: “Yes, but….”


BRB p. 74 specifies: “Models with Random Movement cannot declare charges, and are always moved in the Compulsory Moves sub-phase.” However, this must be read as “In the Movement phase, models with random Movement etc.” since such models can also move in other phases, as is recognised in the first paragraph: “This is the distance they move, charge, pursue, overrun and flee — they cannot march.” Reforms can be executed in the Movement and other phases, in particular the Close Combat phase.


1. Movement phase:

- The standard reform (BRB p. 14) is a manoeuvre, and as such is conducted in the Remaining Moves phase. Since Random Movers are always moved in the Compulsory Moves phase, they cannot conduct such manoeuvres, unless specified otherwise (like for charging). Since it is not specified otherwise, Random Movers cannot execute a standard reform.

- However, fleeing units are rallied in the Compulsory Movement sub-phase, and a “unit that has successfully rallied immediately makes a reform manoeuvre.” Hence, Random Movers that have rallied can perform this reform too.

- Free reform: the other stated exception is indeed the free reform. BRB p. 77: “unless it charges, a skirmishing unit is allowed to reform as many times as it wishes during its move.” Since it is not specified otherwise, it applies to Random Movers too. That said, they are still subject to the stated restrictions affecting Random Movers: only one, initial pivot is allowed, and the unit must move in a straight line.



2 Close Combat Phase

Since there is no restriction stated in the BRB, models with Random Movement are allowed to execute a combat reform, as well as the reform after passing the test to restrain pursuit. However, there may be restrictions in the Random Mover’s own special rules. For instance, the Steam Tank is specifically not allowed to execute a combat reform.



N.B. In the case of the Squig Hoppers, an additional problem is not addressed anywhere: during any reform, none of the models in the unit can move more than twice their Movement rate, which, in the case of the Squig Hoppers, is only known during a free reform.

1. Pivot the centre of the Squip Hoppers to face the direction in which you wish it to travel.
2. Roll the dice shown in the SH profile.
3. Measure the distance in a straight line to see whether you come into contact with an enemy.

3. a. If yes, this counts as a charge and the unit cannot execute free reforms. The Squid Hoppers will now contract, which may mean they may be unable to contact the enemy in a straight line. However, as discussed here, that is not a problem, since the charge is resolved following the normal rules for charging.

3. b. If no, the Squid Hoppers are allowed to reform as many times as it wishes during their move, provided that they in a straight line and no model ends up moving a number of inches higher than double its Move value. That said, you can apply this FAQ:

Official Update Version 1.9, p. 9: 
Q: When moving Fast Cavalry or Skirmishers, should I measure from the location of each model before it moves and place it anywhere within its Movement Allowance (or double its Movement Allowance if it is marching) ? (p68, 77)

A: Yes. Except when there is a unit or impassable terrain in the way, the distance moved must include the distance required to move around these obstacles.

My pleasure. To add a theoretical example (I know a unit of Squid Hoppers should be spaced out), in picture 1, the two circles represent impassable terrain, which the Random Mover wants to pass through. The unit pivots to face that direction, and the dice are rolled, but is clear that the unit in its current formation would need to stop 1" before the impassable terrain (picture 2). Hence, the unit executes a free reform (picture 3).