The great thing about Epic games with new people is that you get a new perspective on how other interpret the rules.
Scene: The Saim-Hann Jetbikes engage a freakin' 'uge Mob of Ork Boyz (27 stands or something like that?) and just slaughter them. The Boyz run withdraw Broken. The Jetbikes consolidate within 15cm of them. What happens to the Boyz.
I was just thinking about my consolidation move, my Orky opponent was feverishly flipping through the rules. He then declares that if the Jetbikes pursue to within 15cm then the Orks are destroyed, as the Jetbikes pursued them. Hey, cool! I think I'll do that!
After the game, I was trying to find the rule that he seemed to focus on and see what it said. As best as I can guess (Shawn, if you are out there, let me know if this is what you were referring to), it was 1.13.3 Withdrawals: ... but if a unit ends the second withdrawal move within 15cm of the enemy, it is destroyed (it is killed while trying to escape!).
Okay, now here's the rub. After the Ork moved twice, the Jetbikes were not within 15cm; it was after the Jetbikes completed their consolidation that the condition existed.
Now logically(1), the Jetbikes are pursuing, so at the end of that turn (after all movement is complete), the broken formation is withn 15cm. This also fits the fluff description about pursued units being destroyed.(2).
But literally(3), when the withdrawal move end, the only way for the unit to be destroyed would be if they have a horrible move, they are surrounded, or there are other enemy units behind them. And that last one would not make sense regarding pursuers, as those units farther back would not be pursuing.
So, the question is: when do you determine if withdrawing units are destroyed by pursuers:
A) Immediately after the withdrawing units complete their move.
B) At the completion of that action, which includes the winner's consolidation move.
I think you should answer this question without[/] regard to the fact that the Eldar consolidation move is so large. Either you believe that the consolidation move counts as pursuit of a withdrawal or you do not.
Also, please answer the question with [i]why you believe it is A or B (or C - something I have not considered).
Thanks!
Dale
Endnotes
(1) I know that logic usually has nothing to do with GW games, but I see Epic and Warmaster being of a much higher caliber than the other games that people usually make that comment about.
(2) No, I don't consider fluff text to be rules either.
(3) "Literally" is how I take most GW rules (much to the irritation of my opponents, who call it rules-lawyering).
|
