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2018/08/12 17:53:58
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
Excellent! I'll add an entry for the Abominant in the main post and add information as we receive it.
Our shop is generally pretty good at getting these releases and I know a few Marine players that will be happy to split a box (or two). Looks like not a bad start for the army either, with enough elites to make a Vanguard detachment built per the box.
Fueli wrote:I like them. Don't know if there's any kind of utility to be had with pure beatstick hq, but we'll see. At least the model is cool.
If it has a low enough wound threshold to "hide" behind other models it could have a lot of utility, especially if it is swinging at S10+ (dare I dream S14?) with that Sledge Hammer.
2018/08/12 22:07:40
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
GSC-wise you get 8 Genestealers, 5 Acolytes, Iconward, 5 Abberants and the new Abominant. Between and that and the 2017 Battleforce box you get pretty much everything you need.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/08/12 22:08:04
Fueli wrote:I like them. Don't know if there's any kind of utility to be had with pure beatstick hq, but we'll see. At least the model is cool.
If it has a low enough wound threshold to "hide" behind other models it could have a lot of utility, especially if it is swinging at S10+ (dare I dream S14?) with that Sledge Hammer.
Give him a jump pack GW!
P.S.A. I won't read your posts if you break it into a million separate quotes and make an eyesore of it.
2018/08/13 04:40:18
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
Hey lads, GSC noob here. Is a GSC list heavy on the 5 point guardsmen type guys, and are Goliath rockgrinders good? I have an idea for a cool army theme but am not sure if it’s anywhere near viable.
ph34r's Forgeworld Phobos blog, current WIP: Iron Warriors and Skaven Tau +From Iron Cometh Strength+ +From Strength Cometh Will+ +From Will Cometh Faith+ +From Faith Cometh Honor+ +From Honor Cometh Iron+
The Polito form is dead, insect. Are you afraid? What is it you fear? The end of your trivial existence?
When the history of my glory is written, your species shall only be a footnote to my magnificence.
2018/08/13 04:40:20
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
I know its probably useless to ask now, but how do you guys like shotgun neophyte squads? I plan on picking up a couple of boxes of neophyte soon(ish), and after looking at pictures of the sprues and built models I really want a big ol squad filled with shotguns. Since GSC don't get orders like guard, I figured it would be a fun, and not a too terribly bad choice.
2018/08/13 08:03:20
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
ph34r wrote:Hey lads, GSC noob here. Is a GSC list heavy on the 5 point guardsmen type guys
Somewhat. Neophytes are the cheaper of the two troop options and are mostly self contained while Acolytes really want a Primus or transport of some sort to reliably deliver them. Neophytes also provide the bulk of anti-infantry firepower to remove screens for assault units, so are vital for clearing the way for the more damaging assault squads.
ph34r wrote:are Goliath rockgrinders good? I have an idea for a cool army theme but am not sure if it’s anywhere near viable.
Rockgrinders are good in the right list but struggle in others. They work best with other vehicle hulls to provide target saturation and prefer more aggressive lists than gunlines since most of their weaponry is very short ranged and running up the field alone paints a large target on them. They also really want a Primus to "fix" their WS: 5+, which again directs them towards a more aggressive style of list with said Primus either delivering an assault squad via ambush or else riding in one of the Rockgrinders if running pure mechanized.
Heafstaag wrote:
I know its probably useless to ask now, but how do you guys like shotgun neophyte squads? I plan on picking up a couple of boxes of neophyte soon(ish), and after looking at pictures of the sprues and built models I really want a big ol squad filled with shotguns. Since GSC don't get orders like guard, I figured it would be a fun, and not a too terribly bad choice.
I personally like them. Shotgun squads are good for (relatively) cheap forward screens since they do not require any further upgrades to do their job and hit harder up close than autogun squads. The ability to advance and shoot is also situationally useful, such as making a last minute objective grab that has enemy models on it. An autogun squad advancing to the target would at best be able to contest, while a shotgun squad could potentially end up claiming it depending on how their shots go.
2018/08/16 18:28:44
Subject: Re:Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
- Power Sledge Hammer is Sx2 (S12 according to the article, so the Abominant is base S6) AP -3 and D6 damage with the Neutron Laser's special ability (damage rolls of 1-2 are bumped to 3, so minimum of 3 damage per blow and a max of 6). No to-hit penalty either, which could be interesting depending on what the base WS for the Abominant is.
- Aura ability causes friendly Aberrants within a close distance of the Abominant to get 2 hits for every unmodified hit roll of 6 made, meaning the ability works with Power Hammers despite their penalty to hit and does not benefit from the Primus' to-hit modifier.
- Familiar buddy (Mindwyrm Familiar) apparently messes with psykers, though the exact mechanisms were not previewed.
In addition, Power Picks gained a new ability where a model can make additional attacks with their Rending Claws for each attack made with the Power Pick. This is a huge fix for Pick-equipped Aberrants as it means they get effectively 4 attacks each which brings them back to what they had in 7th edition (when charging). Mixed squads should be more attractive now, since the Picks now offer the volume of attacks needed to fight through infantry squads while Hammers remain one of the best non-buffed armor crackers in-faction. Might from Beyond should now be properly terrifying on Aberrants as well, since each Power Pick model will be getting 6 attacks each at S6.
2018/08/16 21:17:00
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
It would seem like they might have actually taken their time to adjust GSC and not just simply slapped on some cookie cutter rules and points adjustments. We shall see.
5k Imperial Guard
2k Ad Mech
2018/08/16 21:20:29
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
Is it just me, or does a D6 damage str 12 thunder hammer with no negative to hit modifier seem CRAZY good?
I mean, maybe if its WS5+ or you only ever get a single attack, or something. But hell, that's damn close to a defiler or gorknaut weapon profile on a character.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/08/16 21:20:48
"Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment." Words to live by.
2018/08/16 21:36:10
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
Kap'n Krump wrote: Is it just me, or does a D6 damage str 12 thunder hammer with no negative to hit modifier seem CRAZY good?
I mean, maybe if its WS5+ or you only ever get a single attack, or something. But hell, that's damn close to a defiler or gorknaut weapon profile on a character.
Gooooood. Now keep him near the Primus, Im betting the character is Ws 3 like the Abberants. But, as awesome as he sounds, remember that he cant fly and probably doenst have an invulnerable save. That will keep him balanced even if he hits harder than Captain smash.
2018/08/16 22:00:20
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
I'm not comparing him to captain smash - more like a warboss,who is the same str, also without fly or an invlun save, but a measly D3 damage (at a -1 to hit) and instead of D6 min 3.
And yes, no ork codex yet, I'm aware, I get it, but still, a D6 weapon on a character is, I think, unheard of? Much less with no hit modifier.
Ah well, just surprising is all.
"Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment." Words to live by.
2018/08/16 22:27:28
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
The ability triggers on a natural 6 rather than a result of 6, so negative modifiers don't stop it from triggering and positive modifiers don't lower the threshold to trigger it.
Compare to Tesla weapons for example. On a 6+ they add extra hits, so a -1 to hit prevents the ability from triggering at all (6 - 1 = 5) and +1 to hit abilities like My Will Be Done make it trigger on a 5+ (5 + 1 = 6). The Chosen One ability only wants a dice with a 6 side showing and doesn't care about modifiers to the roll.
2018/08/16 23:28:04
Subject: Re:Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
The ability triggers on a natural 6 rather than a result of 6, so negative modifiers don't stop it from triggering and positive modifiers don't lower the threshold to trigger it.
Compare to Tesla weapons for example. On a 6+ they add extra hits, so a -1 to hit prevents the ability from triggering at all (6 - 1 = 5) and +1 to hit abilities like My Will Be Done make it trigger on a 5+ (5 + 1 = 6). The Chosen One ability only wants a dice with a 6 side showing and doesn't care about modifiers to the roll.
but the weapon doesn't have a to-hit penalty anymore... read it again
P.S.A. I won't read your posts if you break it into a million separate quotes and make an eyesore of it.
2018/08/16 23:28:48
Subject: Re:Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
The ability triggers on a natural 6 rather than a result of 6, so negative modifiers don't stop it from triggering and positive modifiers don't lower the threshold to trigger it.
Compare to Tesla weapons for example. On a 6+ they add extra hits, so a -1 to hit prevents the ability from triggering at all (6 - 1 = 5) and +1 to hit abilities like My Will Be Done make it trigger on a 5+ (5 + 1 = 6). The Chosen One ability only wants a dice with a 6 side showing and doesn't care about modifiers to the roll.
but the weapon doesn't have a to-hit penalty anymore... read it again
He's talking about the Aberrants' Hammers. Not the Abomination's Hammer.
Clocks for the clockmaker! Cogs for the cog throne!
2018/08/16 23:38:54
Subject: Re:Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
jifel wrote: But, as awesome as he sounds, remember that he cant fly and probably doenst have an invulnerable save. That will keep him balanced even if he hits harder than Captain smash.
While an invul is doubtful, he is a GSC character and thus presumably eligible for Unquestioning Loyalty. Plus, being an Aberrant he might retain the Bestial Vigor ability which could make him obnoxious to kill. Take 6 damage from a lucky Lascannon shot? Bestial Vigor reduces that to 5 and some hapless Neophytes take ~2 more on his behalf. Add a source of FNP (Iconward or Warlord Trait - if possible) and it gets even better.
but the weapon doesn't have a to-hit penalty anymore... read it again
Power Picks (previewed) and the Abominant's new Power Sledge Hammer do not have any modifiers, but standard Power Hammers currently do. The ability's wording basically insures that even with the negative modifier it will still trigger and prevents the Primus from making hits explode on a 5+.
2018/08/16 23:42:19
Subject: Re:Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
jifel wrote: But, as awesome as he sounds, remember that he cant fly and probably doenst have an invulnerable save. That will keep him balanced even if he hits harder than Captain smash.
While an invul is doubtful, he is a GSC character and thus presumably eligible for Unquestioning Loyalty. Plus, being an Aberrant he might retain the Bestial Vigor ability which could make him obnoxious to kill. Take 6 damage from a lucky Lascannon shot? Bestial Vigor reduces that to 5 and some hapless Neophytes take ~2 more on his behalf. Add a source of FNP (Iconward or Warlord Trait - if possible) and it gets even better.
Wow good point and very likely, he might be a real challenge to move off the field.
but the weapon doesn't have a to-hit penalty anymore... read it again
Power Picks (previewed) and the Abominant's new Power Sledge Hammer do not have any modifiers, but standard Power Hammers currently do. The ability's wording basically insures that even with the negative modifier it will still trigger and prevents the Primus from making hits explode on a 5+.
ah I'm mixing up names then? got it, I'm having trouble keeping up with who's got which weapon here, I think I gotta wait till the dex, thanks for the explanation
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/08/16 23:43:12
P.S.A. I won't read your posts if you break it into a million separate quotes and make an eyesore of it.
2018/08/17 15:19:12
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
Kap'n Krump wrote: I'm not comparing him to captain smash - more like a warboss,who is the same str, also without fly or an invlun save, but a measly D3 damage (at a -1 to hit) and instead of D6 min 3.
And yes, no ork codex yet, I'm aware, I get it, but still, a D6 weapon on a character is, I think, unheard of? Much less with no hit modifier.
Ah well, just surprising is all.
He's GSC's very own twisted idea of a dunecrawler. Bring 3.
2018/08/17 17:14:01
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
jifel wrote: The fact that his weapon averages more damage than captain smash will be countered by his lack of fly, and probably a lack of invulnerable save.
You're probably right. Though I'm looking forward to the strategems, relics, traits, and powers that prove you wrong
2018/08/17 18:47:20
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
jifel wrote: The fact that his weapon averages more damage than captain smash will be countered by his lack of fly, and probably a lack of invulnerable save.
It is worth keeping in mind that as long as the Abominant is a character he will get the benefits of Unquestioning Loyalty (barring a rewrite of the rule) which is arguably better than an Invulnerable in some circumstances since it can be used against mortal wounds and similar effects that bypass saves so long as you have expendable fodder to sacrifice.
I think the biggest limiting factor is going to be points and opportunity cost. The Abominant sounds like it should be a great damage dealer piece, but the HQ slot is very competitive in the army and from what has been previewed thus far I can't see him being less expensive than the Patriarch.
2018/08/17 19:03:33
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.
jifel wrote: The fact that his weapon averages more damage than captain smash will be countered by his lack of fly, and probably a lack of invulnerable save.
You're probably right. Though I'm looking forward to the strategems, relics, traits, and powers that prove you wrong
Oh I will gladly eat crow if the Abberants/Abominant is so immune to pain that he gets an invuln, even a 5++! If wracks have a 4++ without wearing a gak, I think we should too
2018/08/17 22:16:28
Subject: Genestealer Cult 8th Edition Index Tactics - The day of Ascension draws near.