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Hi guys,

I've been trying to get my head around this for a few days now and I simply don't understand it. I've searched online but quite frankly, it's just making it more confusing.

I have to hand:

Belial
Deathwing Command Squad
2 Terminator squads.

So attaching Belial to the command squad that gives me 3 terminator squads.

So am I right in saying that I can drop 2 squads in via DWA and footslog the third on turn 1 if I so choose? Or can I do all three on turn 1.

I know it's been discussed ad nauseum but it's bloody confusing and the BRB and the DA Codex doesn't really make it clearer for me.

I would say it follows the standard Deep strike rules, so only 50% of your army can be in reserve at the start of the game. They might auto come down turn 1, but they are still in reserve.

Therefore you could drop 2 squads, and leave Belial and a squad on the board. Or drop Belial and a squad and have 2 units on the board at the start. Joining Belial to the unit changes nothing here. you have 4 units, and you may put up to half of that into reserves at the start.

No, I'm pretty sure ICs don't count if they are joined (can someone confirm that, I'm away from my book?).
And I think in the FAQ it clears up the issue a bit.

Bill is correct. The rule explaining that DWA follows the 50% reserve rule is in the DA FAQ.

Tactical_Genius wrote:
No, I'm pretty sure ICs don't count if they are joined (can someone confirm that, I'm away from my book?).
And I think in the FAQ it clears up the issue a bit.

Page 124 of the BRB, Preparing Reserves, ICs are counted as a single unit even if they have joined a unit.

Thanks Elphilo.
Really there shouldn't be much confusion here as the DA codex and the BRB use the same terminology.

Codex DA: "All units making a deathwing assault arrive via Deep strike,"

BRB: "In order to deep strike a unit must start the game in reserves"

Reserves: "Players may choose not to deploy up to half their army."

So, with a 4 unit army you get the choice of any 2 units or IC's.
I know this from experience as I play a list literally the same as the OP in my 1k DW list.

Ok that actually clears it up BBB cheers!

Here it is, the relevant bit of the FAQ:
"Q: Do units deploying via the Deathwing Assault special rule count
toward the limit of units you are allowed to keep in Reserves at the
start of a battle? (p44)
A: Yes."