Spells targeting close combat?

Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:

No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.

If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

**olympia**

My understanding is that only hex spells can target a unit in close combat unless otherwise stated. Sure some RIP spells can drift into close combat but they can't target it. Can direct damage spells? What about spells like pit of shades or dwellers below?

**HoverBoy**

Augments can target CC too, dwellers and pit are direct damage so they can't target CC, pit can still scatter into CC though.

**DarkAngelHopeful**

HoverBoy wrote:Augments can target CC too, dwellers and pit are direct damage so they can't target CC, pit can still scatter into CC though.

+1

**Killjoy00**

Note that direct damage can be cast while the CASTER is in close combat, but they would have to have line of sight to another unit not in close combat.

My LoC has many times Dweller'd other units while beating face.

**olympia**

Killjoy00 wrote:Note that direct damage can be cast while the CASTER is in close combat, but they would have to have line of sight to another unit not in close combat.

My LoC has many times Dweller'd other units while beating face.

Nice one. Can you tell me where to find this in the rules?

**ShivanAngel**

Direct damage spells do not require line of sight, just front arc. So even if you cant see them you are free to cast. (as long as they are in the front arc.

**olympia**

But there is still the prohibition on targeting a unit in close combat, right? That doesn't have anything to do with LOS.

**HoverBoy**

Only magic missiles need LOS.

**olympia**

ShivanAngel wrote:Direct damage spells do not require line of sight, just front arc. So even if you cant see them you are free to cast. (as long as they are in the front arc.

HoverBoy wrote:Only magic missiles need LOS.

Sorry guys, but what does this have to do with p. 31 "Wizards cannot target spells at units engaged in close combat."?

**Regwon**

olympia wrote:
ShivanAngel wrote:Direct damage spells do not require line of sight, just front arc. So even if you cant see them you are free to cast. (as long as they are in the front arc.

HoverBoy wrote:Only magic missiles need LOS.

Sorry guys, but what does this have to do with p. 31 "Wizards cannot target spells at units engaged in close combat."?

If you keep reading that page you will see that hex and augment spells can be cast into close combat. It says this where it explains the individual spell types. There is also a useful summary on p508 that explains which spells you can cast where and when.

**HoverBoy**

Keep in mind however there are mistakes on that page that where adressed in the BRB FAQ.

**Red_Zeke**

Also note that according to the FAQ, Magic Vortex spells can be cast into combat, and even over your own troops...

Besides those spells, it's just Hex and Augment spells that can be cast *in* to close combat. It means that the Flame Cage spell has the distinction of being able to lay some wounds on an engaged unit during the magic phase.

**RiTides**

Eck, I'm getting confused! I need to go over the different spell types again.

So I guess it's a change from 7th that spells can be cast while the caster himself is in close combat?

**Red_Zeke**

I don't remember all the details of spellcasting in 7th, but yes, you can definitely cast a spell *out* of combat if you fulfill the other targeting criteria for your selected spell type.

I re-read that section recently, as its something I kind of glazed over the first time through.

**HoverBoy**

It seems only magic missiles can't be cast when the wizzard is in CC.

**nosferatu1001**

In 7th ed a wizard could cast in close combat, but could only cast into combat, even the one he's in, if it explicitly allowed him to OR it was affecting him or his own unit.

Magic missile could not be cast while the wizard was in close combat.

**HoverBoy**

Why are you talking 7th?

**nosferatu1001**

BEcause RITides was asking if things have changed.