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.

This came up when I was trying Warmachine out with a friend: if a model moves through an enemy model's melee range on its activation, does it become engaged, and thus vulnerable to a free strike as it passes the enemy on the way to its intended destination?

When you enter a model's melee range, you become engaged.

In short, Yes.
The definition of engaged is simply when your model is within the melee range and los of an enemy model.
Some models have reach, some have 360 degree front arcs, and sometimes a wall or some other terrain can block line of sight even when two models are that close, but normally any time you leave an enemy's front arc you provoke a free strike.

Correction: Whenever you leave a model's melee range or line of sight (Prime, pg. 51). Yes, this means you can occasionally take multiple free strikes from one model under certain circumstances. Fun, no?

I do not believe you could take multiple free strikes from the same model as the only way a model could make the free strike would be if you were in melee range to begin with.

Also, if a model does not have a melee weapon (such as a squire) can it still be engaged in melee?

Kodo: Take the Great Bears. Assuming two of them are in base to base, and you move around one to get somewhere. As you circle around one, you'll move out of line of the other, triggering a free strike. As you move back into line, you'll be engaged again. Keep moving, and you'll take a second free strike (and another from the other Great Bear, obviously). Ain't reach models fun?

As for your second question, a model sans melee weapon can still be engaged, but cannot engage other models.

Laughing Man wrote:Correction: Whenever you leave a model's melee range or line of sight (Prime, pg. 51). Yes, this means you can occasionally take multiple free strikes from one model under certain circumstances. Fun, no?

Interesting. Does this mean that you can't avoid free strikes by simply blocking
with your own models? (Typically standard thing for people to do around here)

Nope. You'll just take the free strike earlier. It did work that way in Mk. 1, but it was changed during the Field Test so that you couldn't squirrel your way out as easily.

EDIT: Mind you, if you're engaged by a reach model and move something between the two of you, your model will no longer be engaged and did not move out of line of sight itself. Thus, it can safely walk away, assuming it backs up carefully.

When she's wearing a ring, but before the wedding.

Laughing Man wrote:As for your second question, a model sans melee weapon can still be engaged, but cannot engage other models.

I don't believe this is true. Every model has a melee range of 1/2 inch. As long a another models moves thru that area and is in the front arc it can be engaged. I can't think of any model that doesn't have a melee attack or has only ranged attacks.

Leo_the_Rat wrote:

Laughing Man wrote:As for your second question, a model sans melee weapon can still be engaged, but cannot engage other models.

I don't believe this is true. Every model has a melee range of 1/2 inch. As long a another models moves thru that area and is in the front arc it can be engaged. I can't think of any model that doesn't have a melee attack or has only ranged attacks.

Bile Thralls.

malfred wrote:Bile Thralls...

...Shifting Stones, Sentry Stones, Wurmwood, Lady Aiyana, Spawning Vessel etc.

There are also a number of models with only ranged weapons that also have Gunfighter to give them a melee range.

[edit to infer completeness]

I sit corrected. The rulebook says that the model must be using a melee weapon to make a melee attack. So if there is no weapon listed then it can not make an attack. If it can't make an attack it can't engage.
I should have remembered Aiyana I actually own her but don't use her much.

George Spiggott wrote:

malfred wrote:Bile Thralls...

...Shifting Stones, Sentry Stones, Wurmwood, Lady Aiyana, Spawning Vessel...

There are also a number of models with only ranged weapons that also have Gunfighter to give them a melee range.

You forgot almost anyone with a banner...

Also models without a melee range can't charge.

Mastershake wrote:You forgot almost anyone with a banner...

Also models without a melee range can't charge.

Add those to the 'models I own but forgot the rules to' list.

Leo_the_Rat wrote:I sit corrected. The rulebook says that the model must be using a melee weapon to make a melee attack. So if there is no weapon listed then it can not make an attack. If it can't make an attack it can't engage.
I should have remembered Aiyana I actually own her but don't use her much.

The gunfighter rule specifically says the model can use its gunfighter attacks to make free strikes, IIRC.