[Gareth]

Spore mines, can they assault? The new dex states what they can't do, of which it fails to mention assaulting.

So surely they can?

[chicop76]

I'll read it to make sure. But if they can assault that's actually really good.

[Gada Mazaha]

RAW, they can.

I'm not so sure about the spirit of the game and I feel it will be FAQ'd saying they cannot, as they can do no other voluntary movement.

[TraceofToxin]

Originally Posted by Gareth

Spore mines, can they assault? The new dex states what they can't do, of which it fails to mention assaulting.

So surely they can?

It's one of the big questions. Typically just because something DOESN'T say it CAN'T, isn't grounds to say it can, but, in this case, units are all normally allowed to assault unless otherwise specified. If previous Spore Mines had never had a ruling saying they couldn't assault, then we wouldn't be having this question.

RAW it's clear they can. RAI? Grey area. The real question is, do spore minds have any way to consciously control their movement or are they mindless.

[Gada Mazaha]

Originally Posted by TraceofToxin

It's one of the big questions. Typically just because something DOESN'T say it CAN'T, isn't grounds to say it can, but, in this case, units are all normally allowed to assault unless otherwise specified. If previous Spore Mines had never had a ruling saying they couldn't assault, then we wouldn't be having this question.

RAW it's clear they can. RAI? Grey area. The real question is, do spore minds have any way to consciously control their movement or are they mindless.

It used to be included in their rules. "Spore mines cannot make assault moves." Tyranid 4th ed codex, page 29.

Another point, can Spore mines move within 1" of an enemy model? The rulebook is clear that a unit cannot move within 1" during the movement phase, and previous editions gave spore mines an exception to this rule. They no longer do, but still include that touching an enemy model detonates the mines(as does ending the movement phase within 2" of an enemy model).

Taking that into consideration, it seems that they should be able to assault, only to immediately detonate.

[TraceofToxin]

Originally Posted by Tyrant Chrysaor

It used to be included in their rules. "Spore mines cannot make assault moves." Tyranid 4th ed codex, page 29.

Another point, can Spore mines move within 1" of an enemy model? The rulebook is clear that a unit cannot move within 1" during the movement phase, and previous editions gave spore mines an exception to this rule. They no longer do, but still include that touching an enemy model detonates the mines(as does ending the movement phase within 2" of an enemy model).

Taking that into consideration, it seems that they should be able to assault, only to immediately detonate.

I know, that's why I said, "had never had". I agree with you on both of your posts.

[chicop76]

In the old dex you can remote detonate them. Since they can't in this edition I can see assaulting a unit via synapse creature telling it to do so.

[Droids_Rule]

RAW, they can. Fluff-wise this doesn't seem too ridiculous; one could imagine the Spore Mine is compelled 'home in' otn nearby enemies, so to speak. On RAI I am unsure. I can see the arguments for both sides. I don't run any myself so I'll wait patiently for the FAQ. I, personally, would assault with them and allow my opponent to do the same as the Spore Mine special rules make no exception to the normal Assault rules.

Another question, however, would be, when do they detonate? Do you assault and explode IMMEDIATELY upon contacting the enemy, or do they making an assault reaction move and then you pop? I'm leaning towards the former but, tactically, I'd prefer the latter. :P

[chicop76]

Originally Posted by Chapter Master Seth

RAW, they can. Fluff-wise this doesn't seem too ridiculous; one could imagine the Spore Mine is compelled 'home in' otn nearby enemies, so to speak. On RAI I am unsure. I can see the arguments for both sides. I don't run any myself so I'll wait patiently for the FAQ. I, personally, would assault with them and allow my opponent to do the same as the Spore Mine special rules make no exception to the normal Assault rules.

Another question, however, would be, when do they detonate? Do you assault and explode IMMEDIATELY upon contacting the enemy, or do they making an assault reaction move and then you pop? I'm leaning towards the former but, tactically, I'd prefer the latter. :P

It will happen as soon as it touches. It's in it's language that it would occur if it touches or within 2" during movement or when shot.

[Droids_Rule]

Upon closer inspection, I agree. They 'immediately' explode upon touching an enemy model.