If a unit "fails" a break away attempt it is still allowed to spin to any new facing but must still remain in contact with the opposing figure. This I understand.

I am confused as to this not being a true free spin, but a move that requires a seperate action. Does this mean that a single figure that fails break away is actually taking two move actions in a turn? One to break away and another action to allow it to spin in place?

What am I not understanding??? Help!!!!

Thanks

1 action: a move action.
if you break away you use the action to place you're fig somewhere else, if you don't break you use it to "spin".

Thus opponent's abilities like polearm gets activated, because
you "moved" into his front arc.
Not sure about ram tho(from your part).

" "If you roll a 1-3 the warrior fails to break away and may not change his position on the battlefield, though you can rotate him to a new facing"

The question that was asked me was: Isn't rotating the unit changing its position on the battle field? Any time a base is moved it is considered moving or changing position. (I thought)

Scenario was. Unit with Sneak attack moved behind an enemy. No free spin due to sneak attack. Even though the break away failed, the unit may still turn to face the Mortis Drac. It would seem that an unsuccessful break should not allow a unit to spin.
I guess the true issue is why should you be allowed ANY move action with a failed break away as the purpose of a successful break away is to move?

Well...you come up behind me and grab me. I make an effort to escape: I fail, but can still get turned towards you.
You assign the figure a Move action. If you fail to break away that action will still allow you to change your facing (unless it's a mounted figure or MDF), just not relocate the base. This will activate your opponent's Polearm and your Ram because you "moved" and ended in base contact with his figure. As defined in the rules, a figure Moves if it changes facing or position other than a free spin. It changes position if the base is not in the same place.

Spinning on a failed break is not a free spin. A free spin ONLY occurs when an opponent's figure (without the Sneak Attack SA) comes into base contact with one of your figures.

When you spin on a failed break, that is called a facing change and is considered movement for the purposes of Ram on the spinning figure and Pole Arm on the figures that your figure is in base contact with.

Hopefully, that clarifies the distinction between a facing change and a free spin.