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The stratagem reads that enemy models can only shoot this unit if it's the closest visible unit. Does this apply only to shooting phase or overwatch as well?

I know under the character rules it specifies that they can only be targeted if they are the closest unit in the shooting phase. But the stratagem doesn't specify a certain phase.

kilfrg7864 wrote:
The stratagem reads that enemy models can only shoot this unit if it's the closest visible unit. Does this apply only to shooting phase or overwatch as well?

I know under the character rules it specifies that they can only be targeted if they are the closest unit in the shooting phase. But the stratagem doesn't specify a certain phase.

I wish people would stop bringing up the Character rules when talking about this stratagem, because they are completely unrelated and not even similar.

As for your question, there is no restriction on the phase. If they are not the closest unit when charging, overwatch cannot target them.

"Overwatch is resolved like a normal shooting attack (albeit one resolved in the enemy’s Charge phase) and uses all the normal rules except that a 6 is always required for a successful hit roll, irrespective of the firing model’s Ballistic Skill or any modifiers."

The character rule (both the original and the errata'd Chapter Approved one) are explicit in only applying during the Shooting phase, and have a FAQ to enforce that even if it weren't the case.

 BaconCatBug wrote:

kilfrg7864 wrote:
The stratagem reads that enemy models can only shoot this unit if it's the closest visible unit. Does this apply only to shooting phase or overwatch as well?

I know under the character rules it specifies that they can only be targeted if they are the closest unit in the shooting phase. But the stratagem doesn't specify a certain phase.

I wish people would stop bringing up the Character rules when talking about this stratagem, because they are completely unrelated and not even similar.

As for your question, there is no restriction on the phase. If they are not the closest unit when charging, overwatch cannot target them.

"Overwatch is resolved like a normal shooting attack (albeit one resolved in the enemy’s Charge phase) and uses all the normal rules except that a 6 is always required for a successful hit roll, irrespective of the firing model’s Ballistic Skill or any modifiers."

The character rule (both the original and the errata'd Chapter Approved one) are explicit in only applying during the Shooting phase, and have a FAQ to enforce that even if it weren't the case.

I guess my question would be is overwatch considered shooting, or are the words "overwatch" and "shoot" different

Well, yes the words are different, but the rules explicitly state "Overwatch is resolved like a normal shooting attack", which is consistent with the terminology used in the stratagem "enemy models can only shoot this unit if it is the closest visible target."

I understand the potential for confusion at first glance, but we're lucky that this is easily and concisely covered by the rules.

What is the actual wording on the stratagem?

Fragile wrote:
What is the actual wording on the stratagem?

use this stratagem during your movement phase. select a death guard infantry unit. until the of start of your next movement phase, enemy models can only shoot this unit if it is the closest visible target.