[W40K 2nd ed] Firing at hidden models

[annagul]

Hello.

The W40K 2nd edition rulebook says that a model may not fire at an hidden model, unless the target model is in the "detect area" of the firing model (an area with a radius equal to the firing model's Iniciative, in inches). Then, the rulebook says the target is "spotted", and the firing model may shoot at the target as normally. But after that, rulebook also says the detected models may only be fired with weapons with blast templates, and the target model only be hit with a 4+ in 1D6.

So, when a model/squad is "detected" or "spotted", is it fired normally, or only with blast templates (and with a 4+)?

 

[Galadrin]

I will have to double check the rulebook, but I was under the impression that "detected" and "spotted" do not mean the same thing. A model can be "hidden" (and thus not attacked at all), "detected" (and thus subject to general area attacks, like the Space Marine fire drill that was in a White Dwarf) or "spotted" (and may be attacked like normal, just as if it wasn't in concealment at all). As another example of this, the Holo-Suit in the Eldar Codex benefits the wearer in that they can never be spotted while they are hiding... at best, they can only be detected.

 

[annagul]

Thank you for your answer, Galadrin.

As you said, the rulebook has the two concepts: spotted and detected. But if you read that section, it isn't clear. First, it says the spotted troops mayo be fired normally and they are detected, bit after that, it says the detected troops only be fired with blast templates and a 4+

 

[Galadrin]

I agree, it is very confusing now that I look at the text again! Here is my read: a model's initiative gives the model's "spotting range" (not detection). If you get this close (in inches) to a hidden squad, the model automatically spots the squad and may attack freely. In addition, the hidden squad is ALSO "detected," which means friendly models that have not "spotted" the hidden squad may still attack it with general area attacks (flamethrowers etc). The spotting model relays the general location of the hidden squad to his buddies so that they can "detect" the squad and make area attacks. While the spotting model benefits from direct line of sight to the hiding enemy squad, the spotting model's buddies are only going off his rough intel and don't benefit from direct vision of the enemy.

So spotting is a trait that the spotting model has, and detected is a trait that the hidden squad has. You can have a hidden squad that is detected, but not yet spotted by one or more enemies.

 

[annagul]

I agree, Galadrin. I also have the same interpretation of the rules.

 

[Tubehead]

A good way to think of a detected but hidden squad is to simply treat them as eligible targets which are out of LOS.