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So yeah, probably a dumb question, I've been noticing on batreps and local games that people seem to play explosions two different ways, just wanting some clarification so I don't feel like I'm crazy. I'll use the same example for both methods I've seen

My Leman Russ, with my infantry squad and company commander nearby, as well as the enemy's captain and some intercessors

Way number 1, how I've done it since 8th started:
1.russ dies, explodes, check range
2.all 4 of the above units are within explode distance
3.proceed to roll a separate d3 for each unit in blast range, so for example my infantry squad takes 3 MW, commander takes 1 MW, intercessors take 2 MW, captain takes 3 MW. I have rolled 4 dice


Way number 2, how I've seen some on YouTube and local players do it
1. Russ dies, explodes, check range
2.all 4 of the above units are within explode distance
3. Proceed to roll a single d3, and apply that results to all units. So for example, I roll a 2, all 4 units, the commander, infantry squad, intercessors, and captain, all have the single die roll applied to them and take 2 mortal wounds. I have rolled a single die


I've double checked the rulebook and I feel like I'm just missing something really obvious. Even the rare rules reference at the back of the book just says to roll and apply the wounds. Not roll a die for each unit or roll one die and apply to all. I felt like it's pretty clear that its done as I outlined in the first method, but I've seen enough people doing it differently lately to make me doubt myself.

Thanks, I don't know why I'm having so much trouble with this.

What is the wording of the explodes rule for the Leman Russ? As there isn’t a USR for explodes, how the rule is resolved will depend on the wording at the relevant data sheet.

Aash wrote:
What is the wording of the explodes rule for the Leman Russ? As there isn’t a USR for explodes, how the rule is resolved will depend on the wording at the relevant data sheet.

If this model is reduced to 0 wounds, roll a D6 before removing it from the battlefield and before any embarked models disembark. On a 6 it explodes, and each unit within 6" suffers D3 mortal wounds.

It doesn't say roll a D3, and each unit within 6" suffers that many mortal wounds. You'd roll the D3 for each unit.

Ah this old chestnut. It's unclear, and ofc GW have never clarified it. Most people IIRC play it as you roll individually for each unit, but just clarify pre-game to avoid arguments.

Roll individually. You're not instructed to roll a single d3

nosferatu1001 wrote:Roll individually. You're not instructed to roll a single d3

BaconCatBug wrote:Ah this old chestnut. It's unclear, and ofc GW have never clarified it. Most people IIRC play it as you roll individually for each unit, but just clarify pre-game to avoid arguments.

Yeah I've done it individually, but I've had folks argue it. I was hoping to have a nice explicit answer to point to to prove I'm not crazy

 MrMoustaffa wrote:

Yeah I've done it individually, but I've had folks argue it. I was hoping to have a nice explicit answer to point to to prove I'm not crazy

Not to be a cynic, but do these people usually argue such after you roll a "1" for the first unit and then proceed to roll for the second?

It’s a roll per unit.

it is roll per unit, but if you want to agree to it before hand, or play it differently at your local store its fine to do so.

Just make sure both players agree to it beforehand.


It's pretty thematic in an explosion where both players are taking damage to roll once and have everyone take the same damage.

 Eihnlazer wrote:
it is roll per unit, but if you want to agree to it before hand, or play it differently at your local store its fine to do so.

Just make sure both players agree to it beforehand.


It's pretty thematic in an explosion where both players are taking damage to roll once and have everyone take the same damage.

But what if one unit is more nimble than the other that quickly dodged the flying debris from the exploding vehicle? What if a unit was actually within an area terrain where in real life could potentially provide ample cover from the brunt of the explosion?

I think the current *accepted* resolution where you roll per unit is more immersive than 'one explosion fits all' approach.