8th Ed. Slann/Tetto'eko Magic Missiles

[Cyb3rw0lf]

Just a quick question, but can a Slann/Tetto'eko fire a magic missile into combat their unit is involved in?

I know the rule is "As long as the Slann/Tetto'eko has no enemy models in base-to-base contact, it may still cast magic missiles even if it's unit is engaged in close combat"

Normally I would assume this means that yes, they can. However because of the way it is phrased I know that some of the more anal players at the shop I play at will say it is not possible because the Magic Missile rules say they cannot be cast into combat and the fact that they say "may" rather than specifying "Into combat". I confirmed this with my brother, he referenced to his Terrorgheist's scream, saying that one particular player says it is impossible to fire it into combat because the rule says that it "may fire while in close combat". The player in question argued that in that particular case it is referencing to being able to fire out of its own combat and into a unoccupied unit. As far as I know though magic missiles can do that anyway. Can anyone clear this up please?

 

[MI_Tiger]

No the Slann cannot cast a magic missile into a combat that he is engaged in. The problem isn't that the Slann's unit is in combat - the Slann's special rule allows that (as long as the Slann isn't in base-to-base with an enemy). But nothing allows the Slann to cast a magic missile into a combat whether his unit is involved in the combat or not.

So imagine the situation in the very crude drawing below. T/S is a Temple Guard/Slann unit in close combat with enemy unit A. L is another Lizardman unit in close combat with enemy unit B. C is an unengaged enemy unit. (Ignore the dots)

AAAAAAA.............BBBBB.............CCCCCCC
TTTTTTTT.............LLLLLL
TTTSTTTT.............LLLLLL

The Slann could cast a Magic Missile at "C" but not at "A" or "B" because they are in close combat.

 

[Cyb3rw0lf]

Wait....So your saying that rule is referencing to his Line of Sight being that of a large target? But then there would be no point in putting it in since that's general rules for Large Target LoS and I believe it was during 7th edition too....Not trying to argue I'm just trying to figure out why that line of text is even in the book.

 

[n810]

No, he is referencing the magic missile rules on what units are valid targets.

 

[MI_Tiger]

n810 is right. I wasn't referring to Large Target rules at all - sorry if the terrible drawing confused things. All I meant to say is:

* The Slann is not restricted from casting magic missiles if his own unit is in close combat (unless he is in base-to-base contact with an enemy)

* However, like all wizards, the Slann is not allowed to cast magic missiles at any unit that is currently fighting close combat, including his own unit.

Hope that helps.

 

[Cyb3rw0lf]

Alright, I'm going to have to point this out to a certain Dwarves player I know, its just that after it was brought up to me a few days ago I've been confused by the way the rule was written. Now I know they were wrong about it.

Thanks.