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Zalek wrote:
That is definetly a very interesting idea to experiment. I like using all the new relics that we get so I will definitely give this a shot.

I think I would rather run the vanguard in Grand convocation and Ran battle congregation with Destroyers for double Canticle goodness with Cawl. Also with that many cult units adding a Crusader Knight and keep him close proximity to Cawl sounds very tempting

Yeah, Bentagon went with the Battle Congregation and a unit of Breachers and Destroyers. I would want to rely more on my Imperatives though.

A Crusader might not make too much sense in this sort of army, since most of its value added comes from making silver bullets through relic/Canticle/Imperatives synergy. =\

If anyone in this thread would be interested I may be willing to part with my fully painted Ryza army (3000 points) to start a new project for 8th edition!

 gmaleron wrote:
If anyone in this thread would be interested I may be willing to part with my fully painted Ryza army (3000 points) to start a new project for 8th edition!

Piecemeal or the whole thing? (You should probably do this in the marketplace forum. Haha.)

Suzuteo wrote:

 gmaleron wrote:
If anyone in this thread would be interested I may be willing to part with my fully painted Ryza army (3000 points) to start a new project for 8th edition!

Piecemeal or the whole thing? (You should probably do this in the marketplace forum. Haha.)

Figured I'd mention it here as well lol and preferably the whole thing together

So we've all been following the 8th edition roll out? What does everyone think?

Some topics I am thinking:
It looks like the reign of pure shooting armies is over. How will AdMech adapt to the higher potential for assault?

What will happen to our Imperatives? Will they really let us keep the +3 on fixed rolls?

If Dreadnoughts get 8 wounds and a 3+ save, this means our Dunecrawlers and Ironstriders will have 8 and 6-8 wounds, respectively. This seems to increase the power of IWND and repairs, as our models will more likely have damage on them.

You're assuming a lot of things there. IWND might not even exist at all. Also, because of the disengage move, AdMech ranged troops will be able to back out of combat if needed. But Vanguards, if they keep Rad Saturation, will probably be better than Rangers since they will be able to handle CC better. Giving the Alpha close combat weapons might be a much better choice now, especially if they can shoot them in CC. I am looking at a Radium Pistol and an Arc Maul on my Alpha rather than a Radium Carbine.

I am looking forward to what happened to grenades so I can decide on what to do with my Sicarians. At the current rate, they are probably going to be built as Taser Lance and Flechette Blaster due to the ability to fire pistols in close combat. If the Assault Phase article makes it look like Ruststalkers will be viable, I might still build them. Hopefully they make the twin Transonic Blade version on equal footing to the Chordclaw and Transonic Razor version, since I really prefer the look of two blades.

Sydonian Dragoons will be up in the air until we know what Sniper does. As it stands, they are going to be more durable in the first place. Ballistarii are in a weird place since they will be more durable, but still fill a role better served by the Donkeytank.

However Blast attacks work is going to dictate how the Dunecrawler turns out. It is definitely going to be more durable in the first place. I am still probably going to give it the Neutron Laser unless Skyfire has been reworked.

One thing is for sure, now that Cover adds straight bonus to Armor saves, Omnispexes are downright mandatory and Phosphor might be a good idea for many units. It definitely makes the Phosphor Serpents on Dragoons practically mandatory.

You're right, I totally did not consider that they would get rid of IWND. They also teased something called Stratagems recently, which might involve a change to the command benefits of BF armies altogether. If so, we might see formations like WarCon and Gladius getting overhauled. (I really really hope they listen to everyone and get rid of the "free points" formations.)

I still think Vanguard should be kept out of CC. Maybe I am just stingy with points...

Unless they screw over Dragoon movement (unlikely, given how they clearly had been designed to have insane speed with the Dunestrider rule) or damage, I see their relevance increasing, not decreasing. I don't really see a niche for Ballistarii to fill. Speedy artillery platform seems meh, though I guess the lascannons seem more powerful now. Guess we'll have to look at the stats when they release.

Yeah, Omnispex and Phosphor Serpenta definitely got a boost from how they folded cover and armor together. This actually might be one of Skitarii's biggest strengths down the road.

Howdy, can anyone offer some advice for a new Tech-Adept facing off against Necrons? I won't be playing War Con and don't have Kastelans at the moment. Having trouble dealing with the Decurion in general as well as sword + board Lychguard and of course Wraiths. Will usually be playing 750-1250 games of Maelstrom.

Suzuteo wrote:

Unless they screw over Dragoon movement (unlikely, given how they clearly had been designed to have insane speed with the Dunestrider rule) or damage, I see their relevance increasing, not decreasing. I don't really see a niche for Ballistarii to fill. Speedy artillery platform seems meh, though I guess the lascannons seem more powerful now. Guess we'll have to look at the stats when they release.

I meant it is up in the air which Dragoon version is going to be better. If the Sniper Rifle gets a buff, it might come down to taste. The Phosphor Serpenta is basically a must. They are most definitely going to have a place. The Ballistarii are the unit I worry about in terms of being pointless. Cognis is probably still going to make Overwatch on a 5 or 6. What they do with twin-linked is going to be important as well.

As for Vanguards, I am not saying they should be charging into combat, I am saying that if they keep Rad Saturation and they do end up in combat, it won't be nearly as bad as if Rangers end up in combat.

YES! Formations are gone! Finally, we are freed from the oppressive restraints of the WarCon (not to mention a handful of other OP armies).

Anyhow, looking at these detachments, it may be the case that they will combine Skitarii and CM. There are mandatory HQ and Fast Attack slots, and Skitarii lack the former, CM the latter.

Suzuteo wrote:
YES! Formations are gone! Finally, we are freed from the oppressive restraints of the WarCon (not to mention a handful of other OP armies).

Anyhow, looking at these detachments, it may be the case that they will combine Skitarii and CM. There are mandatory HQ and Fast Attack slots, and Skitarii lack the former, CM the latter.

I'm actually hoping that they stay separate, as Skitarii are an entirely diffrent organization from cult, basically the imperial guard. However, it seems likely that they'd trow fluff out of the window and just mash cult, skitarii and knights into one book, with a few detachments for each faction.

trindaros wrote:
I'm actually hoping that they stay separate, as Skitarii are an entirely diffrent organization from cult, basically the imperial guard. However, it seems likely that they'd trow fluff out of the window and just mash cult, skitarii and knights into one book, with a few detachments for each faction.

From a fluff perspective, sure, that makes sense. But from a gameplay perspective, they need to start combining codexes to form "complete" factions that are capable of taking advantage of their new detachment system, which seems to reward larger armies of one faction with command points. As it stands, if Skitarii and CM are kept separate, they will all be at a severe disadvantage. Given the Imperium/Chaos/Xenos breakdown that we've seen, I think this is a question of just how much merging there will be, not if there will or won't be any.

Aside from this, as a professional game designer, I do think that combining codexes into factions will allow for easier playtesting and content updates. For example, you have a ton of minor Imperium agent factions (Adeptus Custodes, Adepta Sororitas, Astra Telepathica, Deathwatch, Inquisition, Officio Assassinorium, Sisters of Silence) that can be combined into one massive Inquisition faction. The remainder are folded into the Adeptus Astartes and Astra Militarum. Alternatively and additionally, you can just make a ton of detachments that only allow you to choose from certain codexes. This would let you share a faction like Imperial Knights between Adeptus Mechanicus and Astra Militarum.

Suzuteo wrote:

trindaros wrote:
I'm actually hoping that they stay separate, as Skitarii are an entirely diffrent organization from cult, basically the imperial guard. However, it seems likely that they'd trow fluff out of the window and just mash cult, skitarii and knights into one book, with a few detachments for each faction.

From a fluff perspective, sure, that makes sense. But from a gameplay perspective, they need to start combining codexes to form "complete" factions that are capable of taking advantage of their new detachment system, which seems to reward larger armies of one faction with command points. As it stands, if Skitarii and CM are kept separate, they will all be at a severe disadvantage. Given the Imperium/Chaos/Xenos breakdown that we've seen, I think this is a question of just how much merging there will be, not if there will or won't be any.

Aside from this, as a professional game designer, I do think that combining codexes into factions will allow for easier playtesting and content updates. For example, you have a ton of minor Imperium agent factions (Adeptus Custodes, Adepta Sororitas, Astra Telepathica, Deathwatch, Inquisition, Officio Assassinorium, Sisters of Silence) that can be combined into one massive Inquisition faction. The remainder are folded into the Adeptus Astartes and Astra Militarum. Alternatively and additionally, you can just make a ton of detachments that only allow you to choose from certain codexes. This would let you share a faction like Imperial Knights between Adeptus Mechanicus and Astra Militarum.

I'd expect them to combine all loyal non marine armies in one book and everthing else loyal in another book. I'm hoping that skitarii at least get their own detachment and possibly thier own unique rules (imperatives), with maby their own codex in the future. I know it's just my opinion, but I don't want to be forced to buy new mini's just to make my army functional again. I actually enjoyed using the skitarii maniple detachment and the fact that we didn't need any IC's to have a functional army.

Special Weapons in Ranger and Vanguard Squads just got a big boost now that everything has Split Fire. Those Arquebus are no longer going to hamper the squad's shooting since they can shoot at something totally different.

 casvalremdeikun wrote:
Special Weapons in Ranger and Vanguard Squads just got a big boost now that everything has Split Fire. Those Arquebus are no longer going to hamper the squad's shooting since they can shoot at something totally different.

WAIT REALLY?! Where did they say that? That's huge. There would be no reason not to run full units now. It also makes Dunecrawler so much stronger as well.

Suzuteo wrote:

 casvalremdeikun wrote:
Special Weapons in Ranger and Vanguard Squads just got a big boost now that everything has Split Fire. Those Arquebus are no longer going to hamper the squad's shooting since they can shoot at something totally different.

WAIT REALLY?! Where did they say that? That's huge. There would be no reason not to run full units now. It also makes Dunecrawler so much stronger as well.

Actually, morale makes smaller units more viable at this time. But Rangers hiding in cover taking shots at tanks will be more fun.

Dunecrawlers can now mix Squads without sacrificing viability. I am thinking two Neutron Laser Dunecrawlers and one AA Dunecrawler in a squad. Hopefully they can actually still BE in Squads.

 casvalremdeikun wrote:

Suzuteo wrote:

 casvalremdeikun wrote:
Special Weapons in Ranger and Vanguard Squads just got a big boost now that everything has Split Fire. Those Arquebus are no longer going to hamper the squad's shooting since they can shoot at something totally different.

WAIT REALLY?! Where did they say that? That's huge. There would be no reason not to run full units now. It also makes Dunecrawler so much stronger as well.

Actually, morale makes smaller units more viable at this time. But Rangers hiding in cover taking shots at tanks will be more fun.

Dunecrawlers can now mix Squads without sacrificing viability. I am thinking two Neutron Laser Dunecrawlers and one AA Dunecrawler in a squad. Hopefully they can actually still BE in Squads.

As skitarii we could potentially do very good as MSU, as we can field up to 8 5man units with 2 special weapon, if we keep our special detachment, but you're going to have to pay extra points for so many small units as alpha tax. Too bad we don't know if special rules such as relentless, FnP, crusader and scout and our special detachment will be in the game.

Pete Foley seemed to indicate a Detachment without an HQ is a possibility. Stuff like the Scout and Crusader could be bespoke rules for Skitarii units.

I don't follow. Reducing unit size will prevent blowouts from a morale check, but wouldn't that comes will reduced effectiveness and point efficiency, given how it seems every unit will want an Omnispex now?

Furthermore, even before 8th, after the Drop Pod and Scouting Fortification nerfs, one of the only viable strategies for AdMech outside of WarCon is spamming Cawl and TPDs to bolster full squads of Skitarii and Destroyers. I foresee that this will be common in the future as well.

@#$%

Spoke too soon. Apparently, ICs can't join units anymore... wow. Half of the shenanigans just went out the window. I guess they will redesign all of the Relics to provide "aura"-like effects?

News just keeps coming. Twin-linked weapons now shoot twice. What a huge buff. The twin-linked lascannons on the Ballistarii look a lot more impressive now; double attacks, D6 damage.

Suzuteo wrote:
News just keeps coming. Twin-linked weapons now shoot twice. What a huge buff. The twin-linked lascannons on the Ballistarii look a lot more impressive now; double attacks, D6 damage.

Yup. The Phosphor Blaster on the Onager might be a better option now. And the TL Icarus Autocannons on the Icarus array will be even better. But Ballistarii might be an even better option for shooting down flyers, especially if cognis makes hitting them easier.

I think we have the cheapest TL Lascannon now. Predators come at 100 points--and they're space inefficient and don't even get Cognis.

Man, I am really tempted to build a pure Ironstrider army. It would cost an arm and a leg though...

Kastellan Robots with twin-linked heavy phosphor blasters anyone ? I'd wait for the datasheets and the rules to buy anything though. Might have us some surprises.

As long as I can have an excuse to field Tempestus Scions and add tanks to my army I'll be happy !

 Aaranis wrote:
Kastellan Robots with twin-linked heavy phosphor blasters anyone ? I'd wait for the datasheets and the rules to buy anything though. Might have us some surprises.

As long as I can have an excuse to field Tempestus Scions and add tanks to my army I'll be happy !

Who wasn't running them that way anyway? It was the best loadout.

 casvalremdeikun wrote:

 Aaranis wrote:
Kastellan Robots with twin-linked heavy phosphor blasters anyone ? I'd wait for the datasheets and the rules to buy anything though. Might have us some surprises.

As long as I can have an excuse to field Tempestus Scions and add tanks to my army I'll be happy !

Who wasn't running them that way anyway? It was the best loadout.

Yeah sure my unit was equipped like that anyway, but with Incendine Combustors because I wanted that at the time. They'll be nice in the upcoming V8 it seems, hope they'll keep the extra range of Torrent.

 Aaranis wrote:

 casvalremdeikun wrote:

 Aaranis wrote:
Kastellan Robots with twin-linked heavy phosphor blasters anyone ? I'd wait for the datasheets and the rules to buy anything though. Might have us some surprises.

As long as I can have an excuse to field Tempestus Scions and add tanks to my army I'll be happy !

Who wasn't running them that way anyway? It was the best loadout.

Yeah sure my unit was equipped like that anyway, but with Incendine Combustors because I wanted that at the time. They'll be nice in the upcoming V8 it seems, hope they'll keep the extra range of Torrent.

I expect Torrent will just be represented as longer range on an autohit weapon. I am actually looking at the Heavy Phosphor Blaster as a viable weapon on the Onager Dunecrawler for the first time ever. I can't wait for out Faction Focus article. Hopefully they say enough to make me not regret building Rangers instead of Vanguards. I might just need to give my Alpha a pistol in some of the Squads.

 casvalremdeikun wrote:

 Aaranis wrote:

 casvalremdeikun wrote:

 Aaranis wrote:
Kastellan Robots with twin-linked heavy phosphor blasters anyone ? I'd wait for the datasheets and the rules to buy anything though. Might have us some surprises.

As long as I can have an excuse to field Tempestus Scions and add tanks to my army I'll be happy !

Who wasn't running them that way anyway? It was the best loadout.

Yeah sure my unit was equipped like that anyway, but with Incendine Combustors because I wanted that at the time. They'll be nice in the upcoming V8 it seems, hope they'll keep the extra range of Torrent.

I expect Torrent will just be represented as longer range on an autohit weapon. I am actually looking at the Heavy Phosphor Blaster as a viable weapon on the Onager Dunecrawler for the first time ever. I can't wait for out Faction Focus article. Hopefully they say enough to make me not regret building Rangers instead of Vanguards. I might just need to give my Alpha a pistol in some of the Squads.

I hope that we also get some answers about merging Skitarii with Cult (and possibly Knights) and what happens to doctrina imperatives and canticles. I'm actually hoping for some new units for both armies, and that their individual identities gets fleshed out more.

Also, as the neutron laser is a small blast, I'd expect it to become heavy D3 shots, and te eradication beamer something like "0-9 / 9-18 / 18-36" str 10 / 8 / 6 ap -4 / -3 / -2 heavy1/heavyD3/heavyD6 don't know if that works out as a buff though

I'm getting back into the game with 8th and starting from scratch army wise. I have 4 Skitarii SC boxes. My plan is to magnetize all 4 dune crawler. The infantry I plan on 30 vanguard and 10 rangers but am not building any alphas. Not sure if I want to magnetize them yet.

I will build all 12 special weapons and just have ranger heads on the sniper rifles, so that will mean 2 5 man ranger squads. I think sniper rifles have a better role now to try and pick off IC that are roaming around. Or even just plink at long range stuff to get rid of HW or SW troops now that split fire exists. I think 2 squads with 2 snipers is better than 1 with 3 because of angles with terrain etc.

That will leave me with 3 full vanguard squads with a mix of the 8 plasma cavs and arc rifles that remain.

I'm waiting on the tech priest until I see what 8th brings.

I know I want two more dune crawlers to be able to field two squads of 3. So I dunno if i bite the bullet and get two more SC boxes which would put me in infantry overload or not. Granted 60 foot sloggers might be handy.

I'm kind of holding off on any other purchases though I do like the castellan robots. I used to play Space Marine aka Epic, and had them in that game. I'm just not sure if I want pure Skitarii or a mix with CM.

I like the chicken walkers and have read positive things about them in 7th. So i may get some when I get my codex voucher from GW.

"Oh, and did I forget to mention they have the Fly keyword? This allows them to Fall Back from combat and still shoot at full effect. Brutal!"

I hope this mean Icarus Dunecrawlers can shoot Crisis Battlesuits now. Bwahaha.

@bortass
I have all my kits, and I am sitting pretty until I see stats. For example, Sydonian Dragoons were the clear best chicken walker option in 7th, but now, those overpriced TL Cognis Lascannon Ballistarii look mighty tempting...

@casvalremdeikun
It looks like the Sniper rule now lets you shoot any character regardless if it is the closest target or not. This can be super useful against other shooting armies that need their character for morale and wargear bonuses.