How penalties are applied?

[Daxil]

Let's say there is an empty hex controlled by force 2 with the Hills terrain feature. Force 1 is across a river from it, and has 5 days march to arrive there. Force 2, in defensive mode, is 14 days away and must cross a minor river to arrive. In this example, who is the defender and how are penalties/bonuses applied?

I assume force 1 would be the attacker, but do they still getthe major river penalty? Does force 2 get a minor river penalty? Who gets the hills penalty?

[soloswolf]

Force two, if engaged (before leaving said zone) by force one would be the defender and get the benefit of the hills and of force one crossing a major river.

If their defense was successful, they would continue their move and potentially fight anyone in the zone they were moving to with the penalty of the minor river crossing.

This is assuming stances/mc brought them to bear on one another. If not, they could just peacefully exchange zones.

[Daxil]

I'm not sure we're on the same page. Here's an example.

[soloswolf]

Force one would be forced into offensive stance as soon as they entered the zone controled by force two.

Force two would (I believe) get the minor river penalty and the hills (benefit) would go to no one or to force two. Force one would get no terrain bonus as they are in offensive stance, so I suppose the hills question would be determined by wether or not the attack took place immediately upon entering the zone, or after they had a chance to get to home turf.

My question: Where are you getting your op4s movement times?

[Daxil]

I'm not sure what you mean by OP4S, but it's just from my PBEM game. It's not those actual hexes. So, I guess the big thing is major river penalties are not there if you can arrive at the point first. Interesting. Thanks for the info.

[soloswolf]

op-4 = opposing force/enemy.