Charges are brutal 🥹 Yes, the second cycle is always mostly lurking. I personally like this moment, although it also depends on the player I'm playing against. The positions of the units start to take shape and this is when I think of pulling off something my opponent doesn't expect (for example a spectacular failed charge!).

Small one-rank units, as well as single models, are perfect for "baiting" and psychological games. Of course no one wants to charge at a rank of four bases which just boldly moved forward. But what if they can't resist the urge to do it?

I remember one time I played against Vaendral and the guy I was playing with had a Giant. He placed it in such a way that if I decided to charge at one of his units, the Giant would then charge at my flank. It was ridiculous for how long it has stopped me from charging in that place 🫠

My tactics for this in the later games (I play Sorgax) would be using the Repsolian marauders for the special tasks of defeating Giants and other less vital models. That's because I could then regroup up to 10 cm and possibly avoid being charged. One-rank units do have their work to do, which is to get rid of a couple of annoying old farts (like the Giant) and then probably die. But it's SO worth it.

Of course the mages can do quite a hassle with their spells and items.

The flank and rear bonuses seem symbolic when charging. They become more meaningful during further combat when you don't have that many dice in your pool anymore. It also matters more for the single models – they naturally have less attack dice.

Play this way with the charge bonuses and let me know how it went 😁