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Just wondering if anyone has found it beneficial to use the new Tempest Reaper Launcher on thier Exarchs.  After the points it requires to use is it beneficial to upgrade.  It also makes sense to take crack shot as you will probably want to negate cover saves and re-roll your to wounds.  So is the exrta 40+ points worth it for Exarch, Tempest, and crack shot.

In theory only: minimum size squad with 2 reapers and exarch hidden completely out of LoS could be a cost-effective and survivable marine-killing unit in an otherwise very shooty army with other infantry units, plenty of antitank, and countercharge available. Not sure if it's the best option for the points, but it is very Eldarish in its annoyance factor.

It's a toss-up whether crack shot or fast shot is a better deal, since the inherent inaccuracy of the weapon has such a big impact. Probably you want the one for shooting at models in cover, and the other for shooting at models in the open.

Crack shot seems the better of the two because the tempest is only strength 4 anyway so I would want the re-rolls to wound. I guess you could take both but then your talking close to 50+ points. I am also thinking guide from the Farseer would be helpfull and allow you to re-roll on your artillery dice. I guess I will just have to proxy and experiment a few times and offer feedback.

Dark reapers are still good in my opinion. However you need your exarch to back up what the squad is doing. Generally speaking I cant find any of the gun upgrades to be more valuable than a plain old Reaper Launcher. Bs5 and crack shot is enough, that or avoid the exarch altogether.

The real question for Dark Reapers is where to position them. i find they are best deployed on a flank behind blocking terrain with no forward field of fire, as they shoot at an angle against targets at the other end of the board it is relatively easy to engineer them only having LOS to targets 36"-48" away. None of the weapon options change this tactic significantly.

Indirect fire is not an option, Howling Banshes and Striking Scorpions may be a holding unit for an exarch, Dark Reapers are not, they are too damn good to be left out of the fight.

I quite agree w/ Orlanth. If you use them indirectly like that you're losing out on 4 S5 AP3 shots per turn,and that just isn't worth it.

I still think that the Exarch is best w/ EML + Fast Shot. 2 EML shots at BS5 per turn is just wonderful. 3 Reapers + Exarch provide a serious long range punch.

"I still think that the Exarch is best w/ EML + Fast Shot. 2 EML shots at BS5 per turn is just wonderful. 3 Reapers + Exarch provide a serious long range punch."

Why? Reaper Launchers have the same range and AP but wound squad Meq on a 3+, you are paying extra for one less shot which you then buy back at a further cost of 20pts, you are paying too much for the shift to 2+ wound. If you actually need the S8 for anything the main squad firepower is largely wasted. The usual squad heavy weapon philosophy doesnt hold. Its ok to give a completely different role weapon to a marine/guard/guardian squad, but Dark Reaper exarchs must have a weapon that best complements what the other squad members are firing.

Its all about flexibility. The EML adds the ability to take down MCs w/ a 3+ save (Wraithlords, Zillanids, etc), vehicles, the plasma adds a nice anti-horde element. 2 S4 AP4 blast shots will kil at least as many as 2 S5 AP3 shots will, certainly more if the target isn't spread out. It also helps against other high T targets like bikes, immortals, destroyers, deathguard, etc.
With the EML your reaper unit is effective against practically any target.

We have to agree to disagree here. I cant see any need or value in focusing on anything past Reaper launcher targets.

Posted By Orlanth on 01/26/2007 3:47 AM
We have to agree to disagree here. I cant see any need or value in focusing on anything past Reaper launcher targets.

What are reaper launcher targets ? T4/5 3+ ? What happens if you don't have any such targets ? I'll tell you what happens, the efficiency of the unit nose-dives. Whereas with the EML the efficiency won't drop quite so horribly.
There are other armies out there apart from MEq infantry you know.

"What are reaper launcher targets ? T4/5 3+ ? What happens if you don't have any such targets ? I'll tell you what happens, the efficiency of the unit nose-dives. Whereas with the EML the efficiency won't drop quite so horribly.
There are other armies out there apart from MEq infantry you know."

Yes they are tailored for Meq, but most statwork done here is, and they are popular choices. Dark Reapers are wasted against Deathwing that is true, but they do a good job against Tau and an ok job against guard - though honestly that is a missmatch.
Many players will go a long way to get their Ap3, it was the biggest fault in the old Tau codex, and the big change in the new. Eldar players are not immune to this desire. Why do you think two Fire Prisms are suddenly very popular, twin linked Ap3 pie plates are at least part of the answer.

Assuming I had an EML with fast shot, efficiency has already dropped, and it doesnt do much extra against guard and Tau, its not better against 2+ saves anmd there are FAR better ways of defeating low-medium tank armour. Against high T creatures, such as the carnifex reaper launchers are still repectable firepower in the numbers given. So if you know you are facing zilla nids yes go ahead take your EML exarch, but standard reapers are adequate for the job whereas you lose out against the far more frequent Meq lists.

Standard equipment is a good choice for against all comers lists. If you know you are facing something different, and want to customise then I would recommend consdering an EML, otherwise stick with what you get given.