Re: [NetEpic ML] New Tau Knight-class unit

From: Kelvin Henderson <kx.henderson_at_...>
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 09:53:00 +1000

Here's my proposal:

Vector Triad: 3 Vectors (plus two Hardpoint Cards)
Break: 2
Morale: 2       
VP: 5   
Cost: 450


Vector: The pinnacle of Tau battlesuit technology, these are huge war machines capable of challenging – and destroying – everything on the 40k battlefield. As with battlesuits, Vectors are equipped with superior sensors and targeting capabilities. They have the Quickdraw ability and, if they are on First Fire Orders, may fire at Stealthed units even if they are further than 25 cm away.

I like the name.  Vector suits.  Nice.

        All Vectors are Elite, have a 5+ Psychic Save and one Energy Shield. The shield grants a 3+ Fixed Armor Save. If this save is failed the shield goes down and the shot hits the Vector’s armor. Energy Shields may not be raised during the battle.

Why not?  Why not make them identical to the Manta's shield?  I also don't like the idea of them having a psychic save.  Tau have not psykers.  Period.  They actually don't understand psykers or the warp.  Why then would they have a psychic save?

Vectors carry datalinked sensor nets and enjoy a +1 To-Hit bonus if all three models in a Triad can see the target. Not all of them have to fire at that target – they just have to be able to see it.

Nice.  Different.

        Due to their modular construction, weapon systems vary widely depending on the needs of the current battlefield. Choose two Vector Hardpoint Cards when you purchase a Triad – they may be the same or different. You do not need to reveal these cards to your opponent until they are used.

Hmm.  Awkward.  Why not just make them like Warhounds and have two hardpoints to buy weapons for?  The triad costs x-points for three chassis and then you buy up to two weapons for each suit.  Just like Warhounds.  Battlesuits are fully customisable within a squad so its natural that the Tau would carry that through to bigger suits.

Basic Stats:
Vector  
Move: 15 cm     
Armor: 3+f, 2+ (Energy shield, then 2+ normal armor)
CAF: +2 
Weapon: Burst Cannon    
Range: 35 cm    
Attack Dice: 3  
To-Hit: 4+      
TSM: 0  
Abilities: Elite, Quickdraw, Special

Close Combat Weapons
Adds +1D6 CAF.           

Nope.  Don't like this.  Tau are awful at CC.  Let them remain that way and not have any CC options for the Vector suits.  I think having no respectable CC units makes the Tau unique.  "Victory through superior firepower" has always been my idea of the Tau way of war.

Contra-Grav Engines
The Vectors are Fliers.

Don't like the idea of them being fliers.  Just make them skimmers.  I think they'll be nasty enough as skimmers.

-Kelvin....
"I'm not cynical.  I'm experienced." Received on Tue Apr 26 2005 - 23:53:00 UTC