Heavy Chariot Automatic Hits: Only chariot models that can fight cause automatic hits. They are bonus hits in addition to the normal hits the chariot scores.
I need for you to just clarify this please... I'll draw up a situation and you tell me if I've got this straight, okay?
1) Indian hvy chariots charge Alex pikemen. The pikemen get to attack first because of their pikes. Then it is the chariots turn to attack and add their impact hits.
or... 2) Indian hvy chariots attack Alex pikemen. The hvy chariots do their impact hits, then the pikes go next followed by the regular Indians in the hvy chariots.
From what you have said above plus the re-read from the WAB rule book I'd say it was number one but I think we have been playing it wrong before. We had been playing that that impact hits superceded all 'normal' combat. Which of this is true?
Thanks.
Don
In Warhammer 5th edition chariot hits take place 'at the start of the combat phase', and precede all other attacks. However, this isn't what is implied in the WAB rules, which are based on the 4th edition WH rulebook when things were a bit more wooly. With my rules lawyers hat on, I'd say that, strictely by the WAB rulebook, a chariots automatic hits occur at the same time the chariot would normally fight, i.e. they are bonus hits that add onto those inflicted by the crew. This works well for heavy chariots, I think, as I have the feeling that they'd rumble at a trot into the enemy line and crush opponents under their wheels. On the other hand the WH 5th version works better for scythed chariots, which will smash into the enemy at a gallop...
So, as a general rule automatic hits take place at the same time as the chariot crew fight, but as a house rule let scythed chariots inflict their hits at the start of the combat phase before *anything* else happens.
Jervis