According to the Q&A I linked and <G22>, if the Minibot crosses the deployment line while deployment is happening and while it's still in contact with the Hostbot, the tower is disabled.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Manual, Section 1.6
DEPLOYMENT – the act of positioning a MINIBOT on a TOWER. DEPLOYMENT starts when the MINIBOT breaks the vertical projection of the TOWER BASE circumference. DEPLOYMENT ends when the HOSTBOT is no longer in contact with the MINIBOT. (Related form, DEPLOY, verb)
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From the End Game rules:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Manual, Section 3
<G22> HOSTBOTS may not contact their ALLIANCE’S MINIBOT while any part of it is above the DEPLOYMENT LINE. Violation: TOWER is disabled.
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Deployment only has one definition, as seen above.
So, to answer your questions in order:
1) When does the Deployment Line become effective, before or after the Minibot is attached to the post?
A: Before. It's kind of hard to
initially break the vertical projection of the base and be attached to the post at the same time.
2) Is the volume defined by the vertical projection of the base and the plane at the same height as the deployment line a non-entry zone unless the minibot is below the line?
A: Yes. See the Q&A that I linked earlier.
The other question I'd have, that doesn't seem to be answered anywhere, is: If a robot's deployment mechanism requires the Minibot to go over the Deployment Line before Deployment (as defined in Section 1.6) begins, is this legal provided that when the Minibot enters the vertical projection of the base, it is entirely below the Deployment Line?
As written now: Appears legal (pending somebody asking Q&A).
As could easily happen: Appears illegal, depending on exactly how strict someone is at calling going over the Line.