Core Mechanics FAQ: Characters, Challenges, Generals & Battle Standards

Generic Character/Challenge/General/Battle-Standard questions with no single addressable rule target.

Q: How do characters interact with units of differently sized models? Ruling: Unless otherwise forbidden, a character can always join a unit regardless of their mount. A unit always moves at the speed of its slowest model. A character only gains 'Look out, Sir!' (and the same targeting protection) if part of a unit of similar sized models - a character on a monster base (40mm+) counts as bigger than normal cavalry. A character in a chariot cannot join a unit unless it is a chariot unit. A character takes up the space of an equivalent number of rank and file models as their base fills. Source: [Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page 113]

Q: There are shooting limitations at characters near units. Can they be freely charged, or do the same limitations apply? Ruling: They can be freely charged. Source: [Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page 113]

Q: If two characters are with a unit that captures an enemy standard, what happens to the captured banner if they are the only survivors? Ruling: They still have it (and still count as a unit of two models). If they split up, you can choose which character retains the captured standard. Source: [Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page 113]

Q: Do Champions count as rank and file in counting the five models for the 'Look Out, Sir!' and/or 'Shooting at Independent Characters' rules? Ruling: Yes. Except where noted, a Champion is treated as a rank and file model. Source: [Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page 113]

Q: If a character is in a unit with only one rank, can he refuse a challenge, as there are no rear ranks for him to be moved to? Ruling: If there is space in the single rank for him to be positioned where he cannot fight, he may refuse the challenge. If the entire rank is engaged, he cannot avoid the challenge. Source: [Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page 113]

Q: If a combat involves a single character, can the owning player ever refuse a challenge? What if there are other friendly units and characters involved in the same combat? Ruling: If there is a lone character involved in a combat (even a multiple combat where more characters are involved), the owning player's side can never refuse a challenge. Source: [Anthony Reynolds - Warhammer Design Team (Online Q&A on the Games Workshop Warhammer Forum)]

Q: Can you use the multiplying effect of multiple wound weapons to rack up overkill on a one-wound champion (or character starting the combat round with one wound) in a challenge? Ruling: Yes - number of Wounds doesn't matter, because a character reduced to one wound is the same as a champion starting with one wound for purposes of multiple wound weapons in a challenge. Each unsaved wound is multiplied when attacks are allocated, so you can score the full overkill even though the target has only one wound. Source: [Gav Thorpe - Warhammer Design Team / Annual 2002 page 15]

Q: How do weapons/items that affect all models in base to base contact work when held by a character (or champion) in a challenge? Ruling: Models engaged in the challenge are considered to be in single combat and may not attack or be attacked by models outside the challenge - the weapon/item only affects the opposing model in the challenge (and the bearer if it would normally affect him). Source: [Direwolf FAQ Council Interpretation / Rulebook page 99 / Tomb Kings Army Book page 36 / Storm of Chaos Slayer Army List]

Q: Can a single model (e.g. Lord on a Dragon, Greater Daemon, etc.) engaged in an ongoing challenge be charged by another enemy unit? Ruling: Yes. A single model being engaged in a challenge does not prevent an additional enemy unit charging it, to add ranks, Unit Strength, the flanking bonus, etc. to the overall combat result. Source: [Rulebook page 99 / Direwolf FAQ Council Interpretation]

Q: A Battle Standard can only be captured if the Battle Standard Bearer is killed in close combat - will he still lose the standard if broken in combat? Ruling: A Battle Standard will not automatically drop the banner if broken in combat. However, if he is broken and subsequently run down, it is captured. Source: [Anthony Reynolds - Warhammer Design Team (Online Q&A on the Games Workshop Warhammer Forum)]

Q: Can a Battle Standard Bearer take any standard, even those restricted to specific units? For example, can an Orc Battle Standard take a 'goblin only' banner, or can an Icon Bearer take the Icon of Rakaph (Tomb Guard/skeleton warriors only)? Ruling: The restrictions apply to the bearer - an Orc Battle Standard cannot carry a Goblin only banner. However, an Icon Bearer can carry the Icon of Rakaph as he is effectively a Tomb Guard character. Source: [Anthony Reynolds - Warhammer Design Team (Online Q&A on the Games Workshop Warhammer Forum)]

Q: Can units use the Battle Standard's re-roll if the Battle Standard itself is fleeing, but within 12"? Ruling: No. Source: [Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page 113]