Flank & Rear Attacks

Not to be confused with backstabbing, the sage study.

Flank and rear attacks are strategic combat manoeuvres employed in melee, giving some combatants an advantage over defenders. A "flank" attack takes place when the attacker positions themselves to the side and rear of the defender; a "rear" attack occurs when the assailant directly positions themselves behind the defending forces, catching them off guard.

In the example shown, Embla's position is currently in front of Vlad. However, were she located in hexes 0303 or 0402, her position relative to Vlad would be a flank attack, giving her +1 to hit when rolling as an attacker. If she were situated in hex 0403, her position would constitute a rear attack, giving her +2 to hit.

Strategy and Position: these rules urge players to think carefully about their position in a fight — not only because they'd like to get behind the enemy and attack, but also because when PCs break formation, it becomes possible for the enemy to encircle them and attack from behind as well.

Getting cut off also means that allies are bereft of the character's support, so that they too might be more easily overwhelmed. Movement is therefore as important to combat as good luck in hitting. Managing movement well, as individuals and as a party, can greatly increase the players' likelihood of survival and achieving victory.

See also,
Attacking in Combat
Combat