Who may attack Whom

darebear

Serf
In 3rd edition how can one tell how many models can attack. When units off different bases sizes attack each other how can you tell which models can fight. The rules do not clarify this fact. They only state that you can attack models to your front. However, how much frontage do you need.
 
In 3rd anyone which has there base touching a foe can attack (Even if its only just touching by a fraction), be it too the front side or rear
 
That is what I thought. However page 57 of the rulebook has a diagram which shows otherwise. Troops which touch diagonally apparently do not fight. The problem is the rules do not state how much the models have to touch. How much is therefore enough, one half, one quarter, one tenth....since the rules do not specify I would assume any amount is enough. However page 57 graphically indicates otherwise. The problem comes when models with different base sizes interact.
 
It's any amount so long as a flat side is actually touched rather then just the point of a corner. It's only in later WhFB where corner/diagonal attacks count. Best to not to worry to much over everything as the rules are only a guildline and if you feel like making a house rule then go for it :)
 
darebear":1n31nen4 said:
That is what I thought. However page 57 of the rulebook has a diagram which shows otherwise. Troops which touch diagonally apparently do not fight. The problem is the rules do not state how much the models have to touch. How much is therefore enough, one half, one quarter, one tenth....since the rules do not specify I would assume any amount is enough. However page 57 graphically indicates otherwise. The problem comes when models with different base sizes interact.
Click to expand...

As long as they touch on the front, they can attack, whether it's 1/4" or 1/12". However, if the troop only gets 1 attack then it has to choose (more often than not this is a choice between fighting a hero or a troop). As Chico says if you want to house-rule differently then do so.

Edit: and casualties are removed from the rear of the unit (it's assumed the rear push forward to fill the gap of their fallen comrades), so "who is fighting whom" is a bit abstracted - the unit is fighting another unit, and has x number of attacks based on the units frontage.
 
I always got the impression that who attacks whom was very important. Models can only attack models that they are touching. A chaos lord may have tons of attacks, but if he is only touching 2 lowly spearmen that is all he can kill. The rest of the attacks are wasted (at least that is what I always believed).
 
Nope if you have for example 5 attacks which hit and wound regardless of how many models are touching his base you remove 5 models (Providing they fail the armour save of course) from that unit. :)
 
Chico":ik8lh4ij said:
Nope if you have for example 5 attacks which hit and wound regardless of how many models are touching his base you remove 5 models (Providing they fail the armour save of course) from that unit. :)
Click to expand...

I seem to recall someone mentioning this beig clarified in a white dwarf FAQ. I would dig it up only I am on the phone. I think warlord Paul mentioned it in his tactics blog post.
 
Paragraph 1, page 64 indicates that casualties in hand to hand combat only occur in the fighting rank. That would mean that only those models can be killed in close combat.
 
Yes, it helps to think of combat as a dice-pool mechanic, with each die represented by a troop (or multiple dice in case of a multiple attack creature), whoever attacks first (Initiative order) reduces their opponents dice pool by killing off troops. The only fiddly bit is deciding whether to attack a troop or a hero who is in the front rank, or if the initiative order is complicated by heroes with high initiative.

BTW there's nothing to stop you house-ruling a strict "base contact only" rule, and saying that troops don't fill up the front rank until their movement phase. Could also work in interpenetration, give heroes attacks from their sides, and have a much more chaotic, gritty and more skirmishy game.
 
Glad we got it all sorted, it's helped that I've played every WhFB from 3rd to 8th and that was one rule they carried on (with some variations mind) though out the editions.

My bill is in the post ;)
 
Has anyone tried 3rd edition with a "step-up" rule from 8th edition? In a nutshell: attacking models in base contact strike. The defender removes casualties from the rear rank(s). If there are any defending models in the unit left they may strike during their initiative phase
Would it break the system to allow any surviving troops a chance to strike back? Or, would it change the dynamic too much in the game?
 
I don't honestly think it's needed, I find in 3rd that not many people die in combat dew to there being no armour save modifiers rather then lack of attacks dew to removed casualties. Give it a shot and see what happens, worst that can happen is that you get to play a game and have a laugh :)
 
It might actually be a good idea to give it a try...While I love the grinding nature of combat in 3rd ed it does seem to drag on a bit sometimes....perhaps having the ability to strike as many blows as possible would accelerate the combat resolution somewhat without loosing the "grind" ...? Its worth a try for sure.

Cheers,

Blue
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top