A topic from AEG's L5R CCG Rules forum, copied for Oracle of the Void from a copy of the forum saved in October 2015, so pages 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.
in regards to this posting:
viewtopic.php?t=55381&highlight=shigetoshi
i'm now kind of confused as to what type of cards can use their battle actions outside of battle. is it because the card (which is part of the cost) is in a battle which gives presence and the effect (which destroys an opposing card) provides the relevance? if not, can you provide me a way to make out how a "battle" ability on a card outside of battle can be used to affect something in battle? thank you
(C)an you provide me a way to make out how a "battle" ability on a card outside of battle can be used to affect something in battle?
Note that the answer linked to was given under Lotus Edition rules, which are different than Samurai Edition rules (below).
Comprehensive Rules, Battle (snipped): "Battle actions must follow the additional rules of Presence and Location.
"The Rule of Presence: Battle actions can only be taken by a player who controls a unit at the current battlefield.
"EXCEPTION: A player who controls no units at the current battlefield can take an Action if its costs or effects say they move one or more of his units there. He must then make choices within the action, if possible, such that it does move one or more of his units there, fulfilling Presence.
"The phrase “Even if you control no units at the current battlefield” is intended to waive the rule of Presence, but not necessarily Location.
"The Rule of Location: If a Battle action is on a card in a unit (a Personality or attachment in play), the unit must be at the current battlefield; and any cards in units must be at the current battlefield to be legally targeted by a Battle action.
"EXCEPTION: A Battle Action can target or be taken by a card in a unit at another location if its costs or effects say they move the unit to the current battlefield. Choices within the action must then be taken, if possible, such that they do move the unit there.
"The phrase “Even if [ a card ] is not at the current battlefield” is intended to waive the rule of Location, but not necessarily Presence."