Hy
Coming back for more questions after our tournament ( feed back on it's way )
One player wanted to charge a longbowmen TUG and argued that the files that were already supporting a nearby melee could not shoot at the charges as they were busy fighting.
There are 2 different cases :
The supporting file is a direct target of the chargers and my opinion is that they can shoot .
The supporting file is next to the target file, can support a melee combat next to it. But may it shoot at the chargers who target another file and the path of charge enables him to shoot ! It would ne be able to shoot during the shooting phase as it gives support but what about the charge phase ?
The restriction that supporting files can't shoot is under the heading:
C: FILES THAT MAY SHOOT IN THE SHOOTING PHASE
There is no such restriction given for shooting in the charge phase, so we can infer that they can shoot if within 1 BW of the path of charge, as normal.
Actually, I can't see any restriction preventing archers in melee on their flank or rear edge from shooting in the charge phase if someone charges them from the front. Also it's not clear that they can't shoot in the shooting phase as the restriction is for "They are in combat and will be fighting frontally" (my emphasis)
QuoteActually, I can't see any restriction preventing archers in melee on their flank or rear edge from shooting in the charge phase if someone charges them from the front. Also it's not clear that they can't shoot in the shooting phase as the restriction is for "They are in combat and will be fighting frontally" (my emphasis)
That part is very interesting
For the other part I agree with you and read it as you do but as some players still disagree ( enblish not being our mother langage ) I need Nik, RJC or Simon ton answer ..so it is
A supporting file can shoot during the charge phase. It cannot shoot in the shooting phase.
As the rule is written a file in combat but not fighting frontally or as a supporting file can shoot during the shooting phase. Fairly uncommon situation I would suggest...
Richard