Shooting into melee

[Traffic]

Can a BG of slingers shoot over the heads of friendlies at 3rd and 4th rank of a Pike BG engaged in melee combat ? Not sure if the 3rd and 4th rank are classed as engaged therefore eligible to be shot at even though the BG is fighting. (ref Shooting in close comber p84 rules). It is on a hill of course.

Cheers!

[Robert241167]

I'm afraid they can't shoot at the 3rd and 4th rank of pike as they are contributing POA's to the combat so are considered engaged.

Rob

[philqw78]

I'm afraid they can't shoot at the 3rd and 4th rank of pike as they are contributing POA's to the combat so are considered engaged.

Rob

They are not contributing dice, so can be shot. P84. 1st and second rank cannot be shot/shoot if fighting or overlap

[Robert241167]

I'm afraid I have to concede to Phil's greater knowledge of the rules.

Rob

[Traffic]

Thanks guys for the clarification. I doubt it will help me turn the battle in my favour however! Cheers.

[bbotus]

And, assuming your lights have target priority, line of sight and visibility, and qualify to shoot overhead (all on pages 81 & 82), then they must shoot and don't forget that they will have a negative POA for shooting at a BG in close combat in addition to any other POAs.