Elephant/ interpenetration questions

[MarsUltor]

Unfortunately for wording purposes these two issues are the topics of my question.

Just got done with my (growing) club's 3rd CoE game and this time was Sassanids v Byzantines. I'm happy to say that both armies were balanced overall, I'd say. I have some questions regarding elephants and another regarding interpenetration of troops during retreat. Hoping some people with more experience can help.

1. Rules clearly say that "enemy cavalry and chariots may only opt to flee in the face of an elephant charge." I understand that no horse wants to stick around, but doesn't that mean that the cav/chariot unit is effectively broken if they don't rally next turn or (worse) automatically destoryed if they're caught?

2. Is there a sentence that explicitly states cav cannot charge elephants. I'm sure that that's the intent of the rules but want something to point to.

3. Do elephants get the +1 bonus die that units get when attacking?

4. Skirmishers may interpenetrate all other troops but is the reverse true? We didn't think so -we had cav fleeing the elephants that ran into skirmishers and felt that a DL test was needed by the skirmishers. Was this correct?

Thanks for any help!

[staffordgames]

My reading of the rules would suggest :-

1. Yes the cavalry unit counts as fleeing and would be destroyed if caught by the elephant.

2. Page 97 states that even cavalry 'used to elephants' are not permitted to charge elephants and must flee if charged.

3. I don't think so.

4. Yes you are correct.

Regards,
Roland

[argh]

ditto as Roland said.

except in point 3, I'm sure it's a NO

[MarsUltor]

Very good. Thanks, guys!

[stuartmcc]

3. Do elephants get the +1 bonus die that units get when attacking?
Elephants and HTH combat, page 95, end of 4th paragraph:
"Elephants never get the additional free attack that normal units receive."