8th Ed. Slann in templeguard vs challenges

I've just read loads of the rules in the 8th ed.

One thing that really striked me are the new challenging rules.

Ok, I'll try to take it step by step to make it understandable.


I base the entire case on a scenario where your slann-containing temple guard unit is in combat and your opponent issues a challenge.


First of all, the "Guardians" rule allows the slann to be placed in the second rank of the temple guard.
It doesn't FORCE him to stay there, right?

So, according to 7th ed rules he was "un-challengable" since he wasn't in BtB contact.

Now, (p. 102) the character doesn't have to be in base to base with the challenging enemy, and if he wishes to take part of the challenge he is allowed to be moved into contact with the enemy.

If he is in the unit (being in the second rank means nothing to the ability to dodge challenges anymore) and is challenged, and there is no champion or other character, he really has to accept or refuse. And if he refuses, he can't use his leadership.

I think it's a bit sad, because the temple guard-slann just gets worse and worse. First off, the slann's massive bloatedness forces you to trade 2 S5 attacks against 1 S3. Secondly, you can't hide from challenges in the same manner as before.

Am I totally off, or what do you guys think?

 

Yeah, that's true, but it still limits the usefulness of the slann templeguard.

Or perhaps I've exaggerated, since only one challenge is allowed per combat (not per round, it is impossible to slay the champ. and issue a new challenge), and the chance of the unit being involved in more than one combat is quite low.

But still, I think it is something every lizardmen player should be aware of.

 

I played it like in 7th working on the fact that the slann isnt stupid enough to try and take on (in this case orion the relativly big wood itz'xa'khanx (elf for those taking lizard 101) he massacured the champion but we presumed he couldnt/ wouldnt challenge the slann.

edited for typo's