Normal movement rate is defined as the Movement (M) characteristic value of a model minus any reduction imposed for the effect of encumbering armour.
During their move phase units can move up to their movement rate in inches. For example, Men have a Movement characteristic of 4 and so may move up to 4". Elves, naturally faster and nimbler of foot, move up to 5". You do not have to move the full distance allowed or even at all if you prefer, but you cannot move further than your normal move rate unless charging, marching, pursuing or fleeing (all of these types of move are discussed later).
Troops wearing a great deal of armour move more slowly because the weight of their gear impedes movement. The table below indicates the reduction in move incurred through wearing armour.
Armour Worn | Reduction in Movement Rate |
Shield, Light Armour or Heavy Armour alone, or Shield and Light Armour | None |
Shield and Heavy Armour | -1" |
Cavalry mount with Barding armour | -1" |
For example, a Man with no armour can move 4", with a shield and wearing heavy armour he suffers a penalty of -1" and so can move 3".
A man riding a horse can normally move 8". If carrying a knight with heavy armour and shield, and if the horse is wearing barding, then the knight moves 8", -1" for the rider's armour and shield, and -1" for the horse's barding, which equals a move of 6". A horse without barding carrying a warrior wearing heavy armour and shield would move 7".