Source: Warhammer Fantasy: 6th Edition

Magic Items (and Abilities) - Frequently Asked Questions
URL Copied!

View complete list of all frequently asked questions.

Currently displaying all results.

Does a character have to have the option of a mundane version of a magic item (like a shield) in his army list entry in order to take a magical version?

A character who may not take normal armour (ie, has no option for normal armour in his army list entry) may not wear magic armour. A Battle Standard Bearer who cannot have a normal shield cannot take a magical shield. Similarly, a Battle Standard Bearer is not allowed to take magical weapons that require two hands. However, note that these last two are specific restrictions for Battle Standard Bearers - a character who does not normally have the option for a great weapon could still take a magic weapon that requires two hands to use. for example. The same goes for ranged magic weapons - you don't necessarily need a mundane missile weapon option to take one. Only Wizards can take Arcane items. Some characters (such as Slann Mage-Priests, or Dwarf Daemon Slayers) may have additional restrictions or allowances.

Source: Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page 116

Must a character armed with a magical close combat weapon always use it in close combat?

Yes. Page 152 states "A character who has a magic close combat weapon cannot use other close combat weapons". A character with a functioning magic weapon must use it.

Source: Gav Thorpe - Warhammer Design Team

The rules for magic items state that a character with a magic item can't use other close combat weapons. What's the affect of the Law of Gold once a magic weapon can't be used?

Characters come equipped with a hand weapon, so they'll have to use that instead.

Source: Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page

Can magic weapons and armour be combined with mundane weapons and shields and still receive a bonus Armour save in close combat?

No, magic weapons and shields don't grant the bonus Armour save, in any combination.

Source: Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page 116

When the bearer of a magic item that affects models in base to base contact is engaged in a challenge, which models are affected by the magic item?

In a challenge, only the model engaged in the challenge counts as being in contact with the bearer. The Direwolf FAQ Council has used the main challenge rules in conjunction with the detailed description of the Tomb Kings magic weapon, The Destroyer of Eternities, to arrive at this answer.

Source: Rulebook page 99 / Tomb Kings Army Book page 36 / Direwolf FAQ Council Interpretation

Do the hits from all magic weapons, including bows and other missile weapons, count as "magical"?

Yes. Any attack from a magic weapon counts as magical.

Source: Gav Thorpe - Warhammer Design Team

For purposes of magic items which protect against "missile" fire (e.g. Storm Banner, Golden Eye of Tzeentch, Wristbands of Black Gold, etc.), what constitutes a "missile"?

Any item which does direct damage and originates from a source not in base contact with the target. This includes hits from missile weapons, war machines, template attacks, etc. Note, however that the only spells which constitute "missiles" are those specifically noted as "magic missiles". Also, just for the record, a Banshee's scream is not considered a missile!

Source: Gav Thorpe - Warhammer Design Team / Anthony Reynolds - Warhammer Design Team / Direwolf FAQ Council Interpretation

Can the Gem of Blood save against a Killing Blow? If so, is the Killing Blow rebounded back onto the attacker?

In cases like these, items should be treated just like a Ward save. So, if the save is passed, then the character takes no damage, and the wound rebounded. However, just a single wound is rebounded, not the killing blow itself.

Source: Anthony Reynolds - Warhammer Design Team (Online Q&A on the Games Workshop Warhammer Forum)

Can you use a Dispel Scroll to dispel a spell cast in a previous turn and has remained in play?

A. No. It says in the description of the item that it needs to be used "as soon as a spell has been cast." If the spell was cast in the previous turn, this won't be the case.

Source: Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page 115

Can a fleeing Wizard use Dispel Scrolls?

No. It states that 'fleeing Wizards are not allowed to cast or dispel spells'. I'd say using a Dispel Scroll counts as dispelling a spell.

Source: Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page 115

Can I use a Powerstone as the only source to power a spell, or can I only use it to add to dice I am already using?

No, a power stone cannot be used on its own.

Source: Anthony Reynolds - Warhammer Design Team (Online Q&A on the Games Workshop Warhammer Forum)

May a Wizard be equipped with Power Stones and another Arcane item at the same time?

No. The general rule is that characters may only be equipped with one magic item from each category (Magic Weapons, Talismans, Arcane Items, etc.) While Wizards have been granted an explicit exception in the Power Stones description which makes it possible for several Wizards to carry Power Stones and for a single Wizard to carry more than one, they are not given an explicit exception to allow a single Wizard to carry Power Stones and another Arcane item.

Source: Rulebook pages 152, 153, 154

If a Battle Standard Bearer in a unit refuses a challenge and goes into the back, does the unit still benefit from the magic banner he holds?

No, unless specifically stated otherwise (for example, Skaven) a unit is only affected by a magic banner if it is in the front or fighting rank.

Source: Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page 116

If a unit is fleeing but has not dropped its magical standard, is the magical effect still "on"? A banner that improves Ld would be useful in this case.

No (with the exception of magical banners that affect rally attempts or automatically rally units).

Source: Anthony Reynolds - Warhammer Design Team (Online Q&A on the Games Workshop Warhammer Forum) / Direwolf FAQ Council Interpretation

Some armies have items/runes that can destroy a spell on a 4+. Can you use them to destroy the Casket of Souls incantation (since it's said to be an incantation of power level 2D6)? What about the Anvil of Doom?

These items have no effect on the Casket of Souls or the Anvil of Doom, even if they can affect bound items.

Source: Warhammer Chronicles 2004 page 116

May an magic item, spell, or special ability that allows a player to re-roll a D6, be used to re-roll a D3?

Yes. The instructions in the Rulebook for a D3 begin: "Roll a D6 and halve the score." A player may re-roll the result of a D6 prior to halving the result to generate the D3 result.

Source: Rulebook page 37 / Direwolf FAQ Council Interpretation