Poko said:the number of models the ARMY started with=total number of models in the army list. after all that's what you start with, there isn't "on table" in that sentecne.so if you have an army of 50 models, but only deploy 12 models, you are automaticly shattered. that's all there is imo.
I think you are right.
Interpretation 2:
The starting army on and off the field is the number of models that count.
If this is the case then it is possible to construct armies that have lost as soon as they are initially deployed and thus battle need not be fought. This seems some what bizarre.
Its not bizarre, its just I (we) have been reading it backwards. Your shattering point IS 1/4 (rounding down) of the total number of models in your army (all that you are going to field). Its not that models not yet deployed are counted as dead, its that they don't count towards your on board total as they aren't yet involved in the combat, so don't supply that nice numbers feeling to those troops who are taking fire and casualties.
This is the simplest reading of I can think of of the V & D conditions, and whilst it at 1st seems ass backwards it ain't, it just requires a different perspective to what we where using.

Read msprange comments from the Clarification on Skinnies thread and he repeatedly says read the rules and don't try and complicate them.
Yes it is possible to loose the game before even a shot has been fired or a model moved if you are the Bugs or Skinnies, deploy more than 3/4 of your troops in tunnels or ambush and you imediatly forfeit the game :shock:

P.S. I suppose this means I owe Xorrandor and Big Rich an appology.