I'm glad this issue is being discussed here. I have always believed that models in multiple close combats can attack whomever they are in base-to-base with (or, if not in base-to-base themselves, within 2" of another model from the same squad which is in base-to-base), regardless of whether that unit has just joined the close combat or been there in previous rounds.
Now some time ago here on LO I was told, with overwhelming support, that my view of the matter was wrong, and that you couldn't attack a unit that just joined combat this turn if you were already locked in assault. I couldn't believe it, but there was nobody to support my opinion, therefore I just gave up on it (on LO). My gaming group agreed that we all view the way I did, though, despite the other variant offering a lot more tactical possibilities.
Here is some things to consider:
- IF a unit that was already locked in assault and is charged by a second unit must not attack that newly charged unit on the turn they charge, where can I find the ruling that they may attack this unit in any turn thereafter? The rulebook says if they were in contact with only one unit at the beginning of the assault they may only attack this one unit, so they could never ever attack the second one.
- IF a unit that was already locked in assault and is charged by a second unit could only attack the one unit it was already in contact with, why doesn't the rulebook state this? Please note that is says "models", NOT "unit"!
My interpretation:
- The rulebook says "at the beginning of the combat (before any blows are struck)" (sorry if the wording is not 100% correct, no English rulebook). NOT "at the beginning of the assault phase (before assault moves are made)"! Therefore we are already at level 3 of the assault phase (from the chart on page 33 in the big rulebook), all assaulters have already been moved. There is no possibility that one of the units is not in contact with the defending unit but only with defending models. This ruling thus can not be meant to generally deny a unit allocating its attacks to the newly joined attackers.
- The rulebook speaks about "models". This whole paragraph about attacks in multiple combats on page 41 of the big rulebook is only a description of what specific models may attack - that models who are in contact (meaning in base-to-base or within 2" of another squad model that is base-to-base) with only one enemy unit must allocate their attacks to that one, while models who are in contact (see above) with multiple enemy units may choose which one to strike at.
The picture and example on page 41 of the big rulebook also only focus on how individual models can allocate their attacks, and not on which unit entered combat at what time, etc...
Why is the addition "before any blows are struck" included? Easy: assume that an independent character A and a unit B he had joined charge an enemy unit Z.
A and B charge Z
Only model 1 of unit Z is in base-to-base with A, but models 2, 3, and 4 are within 2" of model 1 at the beginning of the combat before any blows are struck.
Unit A now attacks with the highest initiative and kills model 1. Models 2, 3, and 4 from unit Z are now not in contact with unit A anymore because their squad has no models in base-to-base with unit A. But they were at the beginning of the combat before blows were struck, therefore they are free to -in their initiative phase- direct their attacks at unit A nonetheless.
I am not content at all with my confusing wording. I apologize. And yet: this is a somewhat confusing issue. But I rest assured that this "a unit that charges into an existing combat can't be targeted" is a myth. I don't know who invented it, but it's wrong.