A topic from AEG's L5R CCG Rules forum, copied for Oracle of the Void from the Wayback Machine (its copy), so posts it didn't save are missing. Players' names are left out; the rules officials are named. Rulings are as they stood on these dates; later rulings, the rulebooks and the Rules Archive may differ.
A player, 7 February 2005
Just a quick question regarding the wording on Direct Assault.
"Text: Formed by four Samurai or Bushi, each with a Follower or Item.
Battle: Bow one of your units in this battle to destroy an opposing unit or a Holding controlled by an opposing player."
Am I correct in believing that if I'm unopposed in a battle I can't use this card, since neither target requirements are met? I'm going back to this ruling:
"Akodo Ieshige: "An opposing player" means "a player who controls a card opposing Ieshige in the current battle." [JA, 4 December 2003]"
Maybe I'm wrong and I'm about to start abusing my playgroup with direct assaults but even if my interpretation is correct, I guess Ill just have to be satisfied with attacking unopposed and taking my opponents provinces.
A player, 7 February 2005
You can play the formation, but you can't use the action on it.
Rusty Priske
A player, 8 February 2005
You can play the formation, but you can't use the action on it.
Rusty Priske
Is this right cos if it is i got well and truly shafted at a tournament
A player, 8 February 2005
rpriske is correct. You must be opposed to be able to take the actions on the formation. The 2 criteria are the 4 samurai or bushi with weapons or followers and an (at least one) opposing unit.
I was sad when I figured that one out too.
Martin Lund (rules official), 8 February 2005
Just a quick question regarding the wording on Direct Assault.
Am I correct in believing that if I'm unopposed in a battle I can't use this card, since neither target requirements are met? I'm going back to this ruling:
Maybe I'm wrong and I'm about to start abusing my playgroup with direct assaults but even if my interpretation is correct, I guess Ill just have to be satisfied with attacking unopposed and taking my opponents provinces.
An opposing player is a player who controls cards opposing your cards at the battle.
The opposing player is an old term now replaced with Enemy Leader.
Direct Assault's printed Battle Action can't be used in an unopposed Battle.