Hi all,

I have a somewhat detailed hypothetical example below, as I'm trying to make sure our group is playing FoF right In the example below, I'm writing from my perspective as I understand the rules. I'd like to hear if my interpretations are correct.



In this high-quality and professional pen outline (certainly NOT drawn with a Where's Waldo? book as my solid writing surface because nothing else was at hand), the square shapes are one story buildings. For this example, let's assume that all the units are D8 quality regulars. Units A, B, and C have the Initiative. Unit B is on Overwatch.

Unit A declares that it will move to point Y and engage enemy unit 2 hiding behind a building. The noninitiative Units 1 and 3 declare that they will both React with Fire to Unit A at point X and Unit 2 will also react with Fire at point Y. Unit B declares Overwatch Fire against Unit 1. Unit C declares Opportunity Fire at Unit 2.

Unit A declares that it will pause at point X to return fire at Unit 1 and then continue to point Y.

The reaction rolls: Unit 1 rolls an 8. Unit 3 rolls a 1.

Unit A rolls a 7. Unit B rolls a 7 but gets a modified 8 because of being on Overwatch.

I understand the rundown to occur like so, in this order:

Unit B fires at Unit 1 with no effect.
Unit 1 fires at Unit A with no effect.
Unit A fires at Unit 1 with no effect.
Unit 3 failed its Reaction check (rolled a 1) so can't react to Unit A at point Y (and it can only return fire for the rest of the turn).
Unit A continues moving along its arc to Point Y, but moves 1" less because of its return fire against Unit 1 earlier. Let's say that this reduced move still gets it to a LOS to Unit 2, its original target.

Reaction checks again:
Unit 2 rolls a 5.
Unit C (Opportunity Fire) rolls a 1.
Unit A rolls a 4.

Unit 2 gets to fire at Unit A.
Unit A (assuming it's alive) returns fire at Unit A, but with 1 less die.
Unit C fires last, at Unit 2.

Initiative units are done.

The only Noninitiative unit that can do anything is Unit 4, as the other units have fired or failed reaction checks this turn.



Unit 4 moves to Point X to engage Unit A.

Unit A declares that it React with Fire at point X (where Unit 4 comes into LOS). Unit C cannot React because it failed its Reaction check earlier and is not being directly engaged so thus can't return fire. Unit B, on overwatch, will also engage Unit 4 at point X.

Unit 3 cannot react to anything because of its failed Reaction test earlier. Units 1 and 2 react to Unit A's fire. For this example, I don't think its necessary to go through their reaction tests, other than to say that Unit B will fire with 1 fewer die, Unit A with 2 fewer, and Units 1 and 2 with 1 fewer.

Thanks for reading this far! I want to make sure I'm doing this right.

Firstly Unit B can declare each reacting unit as an overwatch target.



Remembering that Unit A will lose 1" of movement for that reaction and will suffer -1FP die when it engages Unit 2 when it reaches its destination.



Each unit starting with the closest to Unit A rolls for reaction. Each reaction check is an opposed modified TQ check.

So to follow your example:

Overwatch Units determine their reaction first before the activated unit.

Unit B declares Overwatch fire against both units 1 and 3. (From the diagram) Unit 3 is closer and so an opposed TQ is rollled. Unit B rolls an 8 modified to 9 for being on overwatch and Unit 3 rolls a 4. The overwatch unit will fire first. Assuming 1 casualty is sustained by Unit 3 but passes all necessary morale checks. It returns fire against the overwatch unit with no effect.

Overwatch Unit B now rolls for reaction against Unit 1. Opposed TQ checks are rolled, Unit B rolls a 2 modified to 3 Unit 1 rolls a 1. As Unit B is on the initiative side it will resolve its fire first. However, as it failed its reaction check it falls off overwatch and can no longer provide overwatch support. Unit B fire with -FP die as this is this units second reaction. Assuming Unit 1 passes its morale checks it may return fire against the overwatch unit. However, as Unit 1 failed its reaction check it can no longer take any further reactions this turn.



Unit C declares opportunity fire against Unit 2. A reaction is made with opposed TQ checks. Unit 2 rolls a 6 while Unit C rolls 4 unit 2 wins the reaction check and chooses to fire upon Unit C. Unit C suffers two casualties and is pinned as a result of their morale checks. Unit C may remain in their current position as they are in cover but no return fire against Unit 2 with a -1 die shift (d6's) and cause no hits.

With the overwatch resolved Unit A now starts its declared action (it cannot deviate from its announced activation)

Unit A rolls reaction checks against Units 3 and 2.

Unit A vs Unit 3 (as it is closer)
5 vs 4

Unit A will act first moving to point X before firing on Unit 3 as per your description. After resolving fire and Unit 3 passing any necessary morale checks now fires on Unit A. Lets assume that Unit A suffers no casualties and passes any necessary morale checks.

Unit A now continues its movement to point Y where reaction against Unit 2 is resolved
Another reaction check is rolled Unit A rolls a 3, Unit 2 rolls a 6 and will fire first. Causing no hits. Unit A now resolves their round of fire with -1FP die as this is their second round of fire this activation.



To follow my example.

Unit 4 moves to point X the only Initiative Units that may react to non Initiative units moving are overwatch units. As the only overwatch can no longer react (as it failed a reaction test).

As Unit A is the target of Unit 4's fire it may make a reaction test to see who fires first during this round of fire.



Hope this helps!

_________________
"The first thing people do in this situation is panic"
"Good, I am glad I am doing it in the right order!!!'

Wow, that answer is an excellent primer on the action / reaction rules.
And it explains where opportunity fire goes.

Just one follow up question, if In A vs 4 they had both rolled 3's, would A have shot first as the IU even though it is the End Phase?

Thanks
Mike

@Pronto: Thanks so much for the clarification on Overwatch and for your detailed response. I guess the main problem I'm having with the rules is how often units are allowed to React.

My understanding of when a unit CANNOT react would be the following:

A unit CANNOT react, other than to return fire if directly engaged, if:
It has failed a previous Reaction Test
It has "fallen off" Overwatch
It tended to a Serious Casualty during the First Aid phase or failed a TQ check after suffering a KIA
It has no movement/FP dice remaining

If an Initiative Unit reacts via Opportunity Fire to noninitiative reaction fire/movement, it cannot take its own actions that turn, but could continue to react throughout the remainder of the turn (including the enemy's endphase), with the appropriate dice penalties.

If a Noninitiative Unit reacts to Initiative units before the End Phase, it cannot take an action during the End Phase, but could React to Initiative Units' Reactions during the End Phase (assuming passed reaction tests, available FP dice, etc.)

Are these interpretations correct?

My understanding now is that Reactions can occur whenever it is logical for them to.

Thanks again for the patience!

Also if the unit is irregular and has reacted already during the turn.



A unit that conducts opportunity fire can react throughout the turn, it does forfeit its own activation this turn but cannot react during the non initiative players end phase - only units on overwatch may react. Opportunity fire does not count as overwatch.



A non intiative unit that reacts against an activated initiative unit/s forfeits any further actions/reactions during the end phase.



A unit must declare its intentions to react when a unit has been activated and declared its intentions. A player must declare all units that intend to react against this activated unit and what that reaction will be either to move or shoot.

They should also be resolved closest to more distant.



No probs...

_________________
"The first thing people do in this situation is panic"
"Good, I am glad I am doing it in the right order!!!'