Specialist Arms Forum

Warmaster => Warmaster Revolution => Topic started by: empireaddict on March 19, 2017, 07:44:52 AM

Title: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: empireaddict on March 19, 2017, 07:44:52 AM
Question that came up at yesterday's tournament.  Now running it at the collective wisdom of the forum: 

Unit with another unit in supporting position; successful movement spell cast on front unit.  Allowed to take the other unit with it as supporting charge?  My feeling was 'yes', because the movement spell wording was that it would move as in a normal move (ie. a charge, which can have a supporting charge).  Thoughts?
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Clawlessdragon on March 19, 2017, 08:26:32 AM
Sounds correct to me under WMR. But this does seem to be one of the few occasions where WMR has made a spell more powerful. Most other spells are less effective due to the 2 round combat limit.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Toothpick on March 19, 2017, 06:46:23 PM
Hi,
What was the movement spell called?

Thanks,
Shane
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Aldhick on March 19, 2017, 07:31:40 PM
If you are refering to spells such as Voice of command, than the answer is definitely NO. The spell adresses only one unit as described in spell description.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: empireaddict on March 20, 2017, 08:11:26 AM
Wings of the Jungle: "The spell affects only a single unit, never a brigade.  The unit can be moved just as if it had received an order in the Command phase".

Same wording for Voice of Command, Lady's Favour, Vanhel's Danse Macabre, and Hunting for Gore.

If a unit is ordered to move in the command phase, the following (p44) applies: "a unit is allowed to make a supporting charge if it positioned behind another so that at least one stand could theoretically support in combat.  If the front unit charges, whether on initiative or by means of an order, the second unit can automatically make a supporting charge."

So, the spell(s) allow a normal charge for a unit and, during a normal charge, a unit would bring its supporters with it.  Seems pretty straightforward to me.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Aldhick on March 20, 2017, 08:33:37 AM
Alright, than there's the question how to approach this as this was obviously not the original intention of the spell.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Rowlybot on March 20, 2017, 08:40:53 AM
I'm guessing this is the conflict of using a WMA rule for movement/charges/supporting charges where there is no magic. Good that it's been caught. Be interesting to see what the committee decide.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Aldhick on March 20, 2017, 09:22:19 AM
BTW the exact wording of the Supporting charges is following:

During the Command phase, a unit is allowed to make a
supporting charge if it is positioned behind another so that
at least one stand could theoretically support in combat.


So those spells work just as if it has recieved an order in Command phase but actually not during the Command phase.
 
So it's not as strightforward as it might seem imo. Nevertheless this should be discussed further and made more explicit. Many thanx for your contributions.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Ole on March 20, 2017, 09:39:06 AM
BTW the exact wording of the Supporting charges is following:

During the Command phase, a unit is allowed to make a
supporting charge if it is positioned behind another so that
at least one stand could theoretically support in combat.


So those spells work just as if it has recieved an order in Command phase but actually not during the Command phase.
 
So it's not as strightforward as it might seem imo. Nevertheless this should be discussed further and made more explicit. Many thanx for your contributions.

Of course not, the spell is cast in the shooting phase and not in the Command phase. But as the wording is at the moment Jim is absolutely right. I would get some more games being played. Just because it was not possible before, does not necessarily mean it is broken.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Aquahog on March 20, 2017, 09:45:51 AM
This is similar to the question on supporting charges to advancing units I think. There is no original intent as it's two separate games. Unless you're referring to original intent in Revolution of course Ales.

Is it unbalanced? No idea, and based on how often it comes up I think it'll be hard to playtest properly. Even if intending to try it, it may not occur every game I mean.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Toothpick on March 20, 2017, 11:34:56 AM
Hi,
I'm of the opinion that the spell(s) affect only the charging unit, and not any other unit in a "supporting" position.

My reasons are, (and I'm probably wrong) as has already been stated, the spell(s) in question affects a single unit. Even though the affected unit is now being moved just as if it received an order in the command phase, it is only this unit that is affected. Any other units capable of making a supporting charge are still in the shooting phase, and thus are not affected by the spell. Therefore they cannot move.

Units are separate and distinct, if a spell says its affects only one unit, then it affects only one unit.


Thanks,
Shane
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Lex on March 20, 2017, 11:45:13 AM
Hi,
I'm of the opinion that the spell(s) affect only the charging unit, and not any other unit in a "supporting" position.

My reasons are, (and I'm probably wrong) as has already been stated, the spell(s) in question affects a single unit. Even though the affected unit is now being moved just as if it received an order in the command phase, it is only this unit that is affected. Any other units capable of making a supporting charge are still in the shooting phase, and thus are not affected by the spell. Therefore they cannot move.

Units are separate and distinct, if a spell says its affects only one unit, then it affects only one unit.


Thanks,
Shane

That would be my take on this too. If you proceed otherwise then this will be a significant change to spellcasting
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: greenskinchief on March 20, 2017, 12:12:02 PM
in my opinion it is just the one unit not the supporting one, but as to the balance more testing would be required, maybe the whole spell system needs a rebalance?
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Rowlybot on March 20, 2017, 12:28:57 PM
...maybe the whole spell system needs a rebalance?
*cough*Throwing out Teleport for a start... *cough*

But I do see both sides here.

You're casting a spell on one unit - it affects that one unit. However, the rules for movement which then take precedence say that a unit in support can, if you wish, move with the unit they are supporting. Bare in mind, most of the movement spells aren't a 'mass teleport' it has a fluffy 'A booming voice of command', 'the winds blow the unit...' blah blah blah. It's not pick'n'plonk as it is in our own hands.

Like I say, I'm interesting to see where this ends up. Pragmatically I believe that only the unit that is the actual target of the spell should get to move but at the same time, my own justification that it's a move and not a teleport would potentially contradict what I think.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: empireaddict on March 20, 2017, 08:58:02 PM
I don't really have a strong opinion on whether it should be errata'd out or not.  But the ambiguity does need to be fixed one way or the other.  If you go down the route of not allowing supporters to be dragged, it should be easy enough to say 'this does not apply to units moved by spells' within the supporting charges section.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Toothpick on March 21, 2017, 10:09:21 PM
I don't really have a strong opinion on whether it should be errata'd out or not.  But the ambiguity does need to be fixed one way or the other.  If you go down the route of not allowing supporters to be dragged, it should be easy enough to say 'this does not apply to units moved by spells' within the supporting charges section.

I agree with this. It would be easier to change the rule concerning supporting charges to reflect this change than to change the wording for five spells.
Does this kind of thing need to go to the rules committee, or is it not deemed important enough?
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: cjbennett22 on March 22, 2017, 01:21:05 AM
Reading through this also reminds me of the 3 maximum orders received during a command phase.  Is that now "overpowering" to give a fourth command to a unit via a spell?
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: industrialtrousers on March 22, 2017, 06:10:11 AM
You blokes must have infinitely greater luck casting spells than I do to make this worth discussion.

If a spell targets a unit. It is just that unit. A unit is 3 or less stands. Nothing more.

Sounds like whoever tried this on was in a sticky spot.

Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Toothpick on March 22, 2017, 10:10:02 AM
Wings of the Jungle: "The spell affects only a single unit, never a brigade.  The unit can be moved just as if it had received an order in the Command phase".

Same wording for Voice of Command, Lady's Favour, Vanhel's Danse Macabre, and Hunting for Gore.

Then i propose the last paragraph of the Supporting Charges section is changed to the following.

"The supporting charge is a special kind of combined move -
the charger and the supporting unit are considered to be brigaded together
with the same order. If a unit is unable to move for whatever
reason (if it is confused for example), or if it does not have sufficient move
distance to move as described, then it cannot make a
supporting charge."
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: honestmistake on March 22, 2017, 10:24:50 AM
or jus add a single line to the spell ""The spell affects only a single unit, never a brigade.  The unit can be moved just as if it had received an order in the Command phase. This spell affects only the target unit and does not allow other units to be moved as part of a supporting charge.".
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Toothpick on March 22, 2017, 10:40:31 AM
or jus add a single line to the spell ""The spell affects only a single unit, never a brigade.  The unit can be moved just as if it had received an order in the Command phase. This spell affects only the target unit and does not allow other units to be moved as part of a supporting charge.".

Yes, you could edit 5 different spells in 5 different army lists.😉
Or once in the main rules book.🙂
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: mdivancic on March 25, 2017, 09:08:50 PM
Hi,
I'm of the opinion that the spell(s) affect only the charging unit, and not any other unit in a "supporting" position.

My reasons are, (and I'm probably wrong) as has already been stated, the spell(s) in question affects a single unit. Even though the affected unit is now being moved just as if it received an order in the command phase, it is only this unit that is affected. Any other units capable of making a supporting charge are still in the shooting phase, and thus are not affected by the spell. Therefore they cannot move.

Units are separate and distinct, if a spell says its affects only one unit, then it affects only one unit.


Thanks,
Shane

My take as well.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: mdivancic on March 25, 2017, 09:10:48 PM
or jus add a single line to the spell ""The spell affects only a single unit, never a brigade.  The unit can be moved just as if it had received an order in the Command phase. This spell affects only the target unit and does not allow other units to be moved as part of a supporting charge.".
Not sure it necessary, but if so this is a simple and clear change.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: empireaddict on March 26, 2017, 12:32:42 PM
@mdivancic, I think there does need to be an amendment like the one suggested by honestmistake.  Currently the spell(s) wording(s) allow a 'normal charge' for a unit and, under WMR, a 'normal charge' would allow a unit to drag a supporting unit with it.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: cjbennett22 on March 26, 2017, 01:43:37 PM
despite it being more work, amending the spell's wording would be the better way to go.  Adding the line to all 5 spells would be easier for the games to see and remember.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Aldhick on March 26, 2017, 01:49:01 PM
thanx guys for your ideas guy. Right now it goes in favour of amending the spell wording.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: empireaddict on March 26, 2017, 02:13:30 PM
@Aldhick, no problem with that approach. Just as long as it gets sorted out one way or the other.
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: honestmistake on March 27, 2017, 03:40:14 PM
or jus add a single line to the spell ""The spell affects only a single unit, never a brigade.  The unit can be moved just as if it had received an order in the Command phase. This spell affects only the target unit and does not allow other units to be moved as part of a supporting charge.".

Yes, you could edit 5 different spells in 5 different army lists.😉
Or once in the main rules book.🙂

Oh I would edit both for clarity.... avoids any chance that someone might argue one rule is supposed to supersede the other. I suspect that anyone who has ever had to argue over a Steam Tank always counting as defended and a Cannon always ignoring defended will always favour absolute clarity on such matters ;)
Title: Re: [WMR] movement spell query
Post by: Toothpick on March 27, 2017, 08:02:05 PM
If the majority say change the wording of the spells, then that's fine.
Happy Days!   :D