Decoding the Battlefield: Understanding the Chosen Warriors Special Rule
The Chosen Warriors special rule, common in tabletop wargames like those set in the grim darkness of the far future, fundamentally alters the dynamic of challenges within combat. It essentially grants units possessing it the ability to act as if each individual member were a character for the purposes of issuing and accepting challenges. This has profound tactical implications, allowing for greater flexibility and strategic maneuvering during the assault phase. Let’s delve deeper into what this means and how it impacts gameplay.
Breaking Down the Chosen Warriors Rule
The core effect of the Chosen Warriors rule hinges on the concept of challenges. In many wargames, challenges represent a duel of honor (or strategic necessity) between characters from opposing sides within an assault. Normally, only characters (models specifically designated as such) can issue or accept these challenges.
Chosen Warriors overrides this limitation. A unit with this rule allows any model within that unit to issue a challenge to an opposing character or, crucially, accept a challenge issued to the unit. This is a significant advantage for several reasons:
- Character Protection: A strategically placed Chosen Warrior can absorb a challenge intended for a more valuable character within its own lines, protecting them from harm.
- Challenge Denial: A Chosen Warrior can issue a challenge to an opposing character, potentially disrupting their plans or forcing them into an unfavorable engagement. This is particularly powerful against support characters who are better at buffing than fighting.
- Strategic Distraction: The threat of a challenge from any member of the Chosen Warrior unit can force opponents to be more cautious in their deployment and maneuvering, creating openings for other units to exploit.
- Morale Boost: The ability to answer challenges with valor reinforces the image of these warriors being exceptionally brave and dedicated fighters.
- Resource Management: Sacrificing a cheaper chosen warrior can allow your heavy hitters to take on more advantageous targets.
Tactical Applications
The Chosen Warriors rule is not merely a passive ability. It requires thoughtful application to maximize its benefits. Consider these scenarios:
- Screening Characters: Position a unit of Chosen Warriors in front of a vital character, forcing the enemy to challenge them first.
- Targeting Priority: Use the Chosen Warriors to tie up enemy characters who pose a significant threat to your overall strategy.
- Disrupting Formations: Issue challenges to force enemy characters out of position, disrupting their synergy with other units.
- Capitalizing on Weaknesses: Identify enemy characters with poor combat stats and use the Chosen Warriors to exploit those weaknesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more clarity on the Chosen Warriors special rule.
1. Does the Chosen Warriors rule turn every model into a character?
No. The rule only allows models in the unit to issue and accept challenges as if they were characters. They do not gain other character-specific abilities or benefits. They are still considered regular models for all other rules purposes (targeting, cover, etc.).
2. Can a unit with Chosen Warriors be forced to accept a challenge?
Yes. Just like any character, if a challenge is issued, and there are no characters within the unit, a model from the unit must accept the challenge. This highlights the strategic risk/reward aspect of the rule.
3. Can a Chosen Warrior decline a challenge?
No. If a challenge is issued to the unit, and there are no characters within the unit, a model from the unit must accept the challenge. The same holds true for characters. They cannot decline it.
4. If a Chosen Warrior accepts a challenge, does the rest of the unit still participate in the combat?
No. When a model accepts a challenge, it is locked in a duel with the challenger. The other members of its unit continue to fight against the remaining models in the opposing unit.
5. Does the Chosen Warriors rule affect shooting or movement phases?
No. The rule only applies during the assault (or fight) phase and specifically relates to the issuing and acceptance of challenges.
6. What happens if a Chosen Warrior wins a challenge?
The victorious model follows the standard rules for winning a challenge, which may include bonuses to morale checks or the ability to consolidate into a new unit.
7. What happens if a Chosen Warrior loses a challenge?
The losing model is removed from play. The unit then continues to fight the remaining models of the opposing unit.
8. Can multiple models from a Chosen Warrior unit issue challenges in the same combat?
In most iterations of the rule, the answer is no. Only one challenge can typically be issued per unit per combat. The focus is on the single challenge dynamic.
9. Is the Chosen Warriors rule always beneficial?
Not always. If a relatively weak Chosen Warrior is forced to accept a challenge from a powerful enemy character, it could weaken your overall combat potential. This is where tactical judgment comes into play.
10. Are there any units that are particularly effective with the Chosen Warriors rule?
Units that are already durable and possess decent combat abilities are the most effective with this rule. This allows them to survive challenges and potentially tie up enemy characters for extended periods.
11. How does the Chosen Warriors rule interact with other special rules?
The interaction depends on the specific rules involved. For example, a Chosen Warrior might benefit from additional combat bonuses or defensive abilities that further enhance its resilience in a challenge. Always consult the specific rulebook for clarifications.
12. Can a model with the Chosen Warriors rule issue a challenge to a vehicle?
Generally, no. Challenges are typically restricted to character models, not vehicles. The Chosen Warriors rule only allows issuing challenges as if the model were a character, but it doesn’t actually make it a character for all purposes.
13. How does the Chosen Warriors rule compare to other challenge-related rules?
Other challenge-related rules might grant different bonuses or restrictions. Some might force challenges, while others might provide benefits for winning them. The Chosen Warriors rule is unique in its focus on granting challenge-issuing/accepting abilities to non-character models.
14. Where can I find more detailed information on the Chosen Warriors rule?
Consult the rulebooks and FAQs for the specific wargame you are playing. Online forums and communities dedicated to those games can also provide valuable insights and interpretations. The Games Learning Society also provides resources for learning and mastering tabletop strategy games, offering articles, forums, and even organized play events. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
15. Does the Chosen Warriors rule make a unit overpowered?
Not necessarily. While it provides a tactical advantage, it also has limitations and vulnerabilities. A skilled opponent can exploit these weaknesses to mitigate the rule’s effectiveness. Success depends on strategic deployment, tactical decision-making, and a bit of luck.