Rules Question - Cracks Call

So what's your question?

Lol

So the questions

Can it be used out of combat?
Can it be used against a unit in combat?

To answer your second question:

Of course, the Skaven AB is still 7th edition, in which “Wizards cannot cast spells at units engaged in close combat, unless the spell only affects the caster himself or the spell's description specifies otherwise," which Cracks Call does not. But that was 7th edition.

As you say, when casting Crack Call you do not have to declare a target of the spell. I do not think that is really an issue, because the wording on BRB p. 31 is “Wizards cannot target spells at units engaged in close combat.” “Target” is used here in the sense of “aim, direct” and, although Cracks Call has no declared target, the spell is targeted at something.

The real problem seems to be in the next paragraph:

“Some spells have a type that enforces additional casting restrictions, or waives others. There are five distinct types of spell: augment, direct damage, hex, magic missile and magical vortex. Some unique spells, or spells that are printed in older Warhammer Armies books, do not have a type — their text will contain any casting restrictions that apply.”

While Cracks Call is basically a direct damage spell using a template, GW has never come around to identify the types of Skaven spells. Therefore, the last sentence is applicable. How you read it is the crux of the matter. One can read it strictly within the context of the paragraph (i.e. pertaining to additional restrictions according to spell type), or more general, because it uses the phrase “any casting restrictions.” In the first case, you cannot cast the spell into CC, in the second you can.

On a side note: in either case, as it is a template spell, characters and champions do benefit from the "Look Out, Sir!" special rule.

Being over- or underpowered is, of course, no valid argument in a rules' discussion (see Banner of the World Dragon). That said, the dash indicates that the second clause explains the first, thus linking the lack of a spell type directly with the need to specify any restrictions, which would otherwise have been covered by spell type rules. This rather favours the interpretation that the general rules on restrictions remain applicable (that is why they are the general rules).

I think for me, since it says


and Crack's Call does not specify it can be cast into combat, I would play it can not be cast into combat. I would also say if it affects any unit which is in combat, it can not be cast out of combat either.


As for this section, I have added bold for what I see as the relevant part. These would be additional restrictions or specific waivers to cast into combat. Crack's Call contains no waiver hence can not be cast into combat.

I have never had the opportunity to encounter this situation, but if I were, I think I'd want to play it as you can't cast Cracks Call out of CC or into CC - UNLESS - it is a CC that involves Slaves. I'd treat that CC as you would with shooting. (I may be wrong with that, but it just seems to fit the fluff for me and sounds unexpected and fun!  )

Well, I was only referring to Cracks Call. Other than Magic Missiles, I'm fine with.