Hi quick question on Shieldwall / The Gleaming Horde .. do you test to see if you have the requirements for the +1D when struck before backing away in a lost duel or after? I’m sure this has come up alot sorry if it’s answered elsewhere.

Thanks in advance for your response

I believe that you have to be in base contact with two models after you've backed away to keep the +1 bonus in a fight.

In the rule book it says that "once the loser has backed away, the winner of the duel roll must strike against their opponent" ... so you back away first, then take the hits, meaning you might lose your bonus if you back away so you're no longer touching two models in line next to you.

Eg. Minas Tirith standing in a row go to defence 7 against arrows, but if one loses a fight and gets pushed back on his own, he would take strikes at defence 6.

To keep your defence you either have to position cleverly to back away into two other models, or buy the Forge World hero Ingold, whose troops don't have to back away when they lose, so they can keep formation.

Great answer thank you Alex123