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Please forgive me if this has already been answered, I searched but I didn't see anything...

If Coteaz and a unit he is attached to are locked in close combat, can they shoot at an enemy that arrive from reserves within 12 inches as per the IBEY (I've Been Expecting You) rule?

The core rule book clearly states on page 15, units locked in close combat cannot shoot, but the IBEY rule as written reads "you can" with no mention of restrictions or limitations. My research on this has lead to two arguments:

May not shoot - Can't rules trump must rules
May shoot - Specific rules trump general rules

I personally think you should not be allowed the shooting attack if locked in close combat. I would think they would have indicated you can shoot even if locked in close combat. Can anyone point to something more concrete or at least can I get a consensus ruling from Dakka.

As it is a shooting attack and doesn't say that it overrides the normal rules for being locked in CC, the more specific rule would be the not allowed to shoot as the I've been expecting you rule has no specific mention of it functioning while locked in CC.

Yeah, a rule that allows you to do something doesn't automatically override all the general restrictions that normally apply to that situation.

For example, if a special rule allowed you to move, that wouldn't override the restriction against moving a unit that had gone to ground.

The basic concept that you're presenting is the same logical fallacy that led people to incorrectly claim that 'fleet' units were allowed to assault after disembarking (because the fleet rules gave permission for a unit to assault after running).

Thanks for the clarification.

Sometimes in the heat of a game you are unable to summon the clarity of thought to properly push back on people trying to pull shenanigans.

Just remember that if the rule doesn't give you permission to ignore a rule in the BRB, you can't.