One of the big problems in the new Vampire Counts army book, is the ambiguity about whether or not Invocation of Nehek can be cast in combat.
There will always be grey areas in a game as complex as Warhammer, however this issue is one that fundamentally changes the nature of the Vampire Army. Debate has raged over this topic on forums and in gaming groups worldwide. It put particular pressure on Tournament organisers as in the abscence of a clear Games Workshop decision it was up to these guys to make the call and hope for the best.
I decided to do something about it. A few months ago a listener put me in contact with Jervis Johnson and Rick Priestly from the GW headquaters. Jervis was a fan of the show and I was interested in getting them on as guests. Legal and marketing issues may get in the way of coming on Podhammer so this may not happen soon or at all. Despite this I decided to shoot Rick Priestly an email asking about this controversial topic.
The email I sent is as follows:
Rick
Hi my name is Jeff Carroll I spoke to you a few months ago about my Warhammer podcast. I am writing to you in regards to some rules issues with the VC book. I hope you do not take offence to this email and if so I humbly apologise.
Since the new book has been released their has been huge debate about wether the Invocation of Nehek can be cast into combat. There are some other grey areas (as there will always be with such a complex game) but this issue has caused some serious contention within gaming circles around the world. Check out the many forums and you see debates everywhere.
This rule in particular has a massive impact on the way the Vampires are played and it would be great if we could get some ruling from somebody in the GW staff about this issue.
Thanks for taking the time to read this email
Jeff
Within a day I received this:
“Hi Jeff – this is not something I’m aware of to be honest – although I occasionally give the old Goblins a bit of a run my days of Warhammer Supremo-ship are long gone and others have picked up the reins of games development. So – I shall forward your note to Alessio and Jervis and let them answer your question for you. Alessio should have any issues like this in hand – so I’m sure he can provide you – and others! – with the solution.
Sorry I can’t be more helpful – but as I say – I am a bit out of the loop with Warhammer development these days.
All the best
Rick
The following email hit my inbox a few nights ago.
Hi Jeff
No problem – this is Alessio’s reply to me – though Alessio or Jervis might drop you a separate note too.
Rick
This is one of the FAQs I’m compiling. The last paragraph of the text strongly implies that you can cast it into combat, but does not actually state it. The FAQ clarifies that the spell can be cast into combat.
Alessio
I was absolutely blown away that these guys took the time to help me out. I would like to thank Rick, Jervis and Alessio for their prompt response to my query. The FAQ has not been released yet but I am told it will be out very soon, and it is possible that they can change their minds at any time. However this goes along way to supporting the position that IoN can be cast into combat.
