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As it is right now (new codex might change this), Tau has problems with ranged AT and taking down Death Stars. So why not revamp markerlights and make it a solution to this dilemma.

Markerlight: 36" range and still heavy 1
1 token +1 BS
1 token -1 cover
1 token -1 LD
1 token +1 S on a unit's weapons
2 token -1 AP on a unit's weapons
1 token +1 on precision shot and -1 on LOS

This will make markerlights very versatile and high priority targets. The unit that might make this rule change OP will be Missilesides. I haven't done any Math yet though. What does the dakka community thinks?

So I can have S10 ap2 firewarriors that can rapid fire and get extra shots from ethereals at balistic skill 5 for 13 markerlights? I mean that's kinda a lot of markerlights but you see my point?

In terms of fluff also, why would markerlights increase the kinetic energy of weapons/armour pen.

Maybe giving rail rifle broadsides a reason to be fielded by giving them lance would solve this problem.

Tautastic wrote:
As it is right now (new codex might change this), Tau has problems with ranged AT and taking down Death Stars. So why not revamp markerlights and make it a solution to this dilemma.

Markerlight: 36" range and still heavy 1
1 token +1 BS
1 token -1 cover
1 token -1 LD
1 token +1 S on a unit's weapons
2 token -1 AP on a unit's weapons
1 token +1 on precision shot and -1 on LOS

This will make markerlights very versatile and high priority targets. The unit that might make this rule change OP will be Missilesides. I haven't done any Math yet though. What does the dakka community thinks?

Its a laser pointer, not a "lets increase/decrease whatever stat we like" pointer

I'm afraid I'm with the others, Tautastic. Changing AP and Strength doesn't make much sense to me. I guess lowering LD could represent them pointing lasers in the enemy's eyes or something?

Something along the lines of the precision shot suggestion could be interesting (1 markerlight lets you precision shot on a 6+, two on a 5+, etc), though I can also see that disincentivizing weak or "bad" options further. I take a 50 point hekatrix because she's *cool*, but if she could just be sniped out of a squad... My ork buddy wouldn't be thrilled about his power klaws evaporating despite being hidden in the middle of a unit either. Maybe have it only affect sniper drones or something?

That said, do markerlights really need a buff? Tau are a shooty army with high-quality weaponry that is mildly off-set by their average BS. Markerlights make them shoot with more accuracy than marines or even aspect host eldar. Shooty armies are often countered by using cover, and markerlights make that a non-option. Markerlights are kind of awesome.

Do Tau really have trouble against death stars (more so than any army has trouble dealing with death stars)? I mean you have long-ranged basic guns that match the strength of a heavy bolter, and crisis suits and riptides can kind of dance away from death stars.

I like the 1 token per -1 to cover though. Between removing cover and cheaply ignoring night fighting and gaining interceptor, Tau can feel a little non-interactive. It's just very easy to shore up all the classic weaknesses of a shooty army except for actual close combat (which your opponent will have trouble reaching because you're ignoring cover saves and hitting on a 2+). Making cover -1 per 1 markerlight seems like it adds a little more interaction to the game. Maybe you go from a 2+ coversave to a 4+ or 5+, but at least taking cover mattered.

It's a bit weird. Although it's a bit like the old one, which I would like to go back to.

Abilities cost one marker.
+1 BS
-1 Cover
-1 Ld on marked unit for the reminded or the turn

Now that I had more time thinking about it (wrote it at night when I was tired haha). The strength/ap modification makes no sense...2 token to remove all cover does seem a little too much so 1:1 ratio makes sense their. Also bring back the -1 ld. I like markerlights being able to modify precision shots though but only affecting tau models with the precision shot rules i.e. sniper drones and the support system that gives them precision shot.

Thanks for the feedback!

NOPE. Tau do NOT need to be any stronger on the shooting.

The only thing I' like to see on Markerlights is the ability to grant Precision Shots.