PHR: It's DEMO(lishing) time! Taranis vs. Enyo (Type-2 Siege Walker)

Note: All images are property of Hawkwargames!

It can be said that the PHR credo is... "when in doubt, make a parking lot." So let's compare the two things in the PHR Demolitions Armory:

Enyo

Taranis

The Enyo:

• Superior Durability (higher A + Passive Save)
• 4.44 Damager per Walker
• Needs LOS
• Can shoot on Turn 1 (if walking on)

The Taranis:

• 2.22 Damage per Taranis
• LOS is any PHR unit (indirect fire penalty does not apply as buildings are always hit on a 2+)

From a points perspective, we are really comparing the damage output of 3 Enyos (13.3) vs. 4 Taranis (8.88).  However, given the slowness of PHR, I think the ability to reach buildings "anywhere" on the opponent's side is invaluable.

What do the readers think?

For this discussion, let's also include the Athena which has "Demolisher" on 2x Stealth Cruise Missile.

Athena

Factoring the attack run availability roll, the Athena averages 2.72 damage to a building with the Stealth Cruise Missile.  However, using the AA Rail Repeaters... damage is 2.78!!  Use AA guns to strafe the building!

Tip:  SuperCruise will make it harder for you to go down but buildings will still be hit on 2+.

RULES Compendium

I'm gonna compile the questions that I see most on the forums.  Feel free to ask a question and I'll try to research it!  (Current as of Dec 15 2013).

Scourge Desolator Ion Storm Generator (Wide) - Eye of the Storm

• Does NOT affect aircraft (no AA)
• Skimmer defense bonus for moving (+2) applies
• Hull Down does NOT apply
• Infantry in buildings are only hit when on the wall but can be hit by falling masonry as normal

Embarking/Disembarking and Buildings

This is a big NUANCE of the game, so here goes...

In one turn, you get two (for the squad - combination of air/land/infantry) disembark/embark moves. Infantry that are within 1" of a building can directly enter a transport (or vice versa).

Here's an example of why IMO Light Dropships are the way to go.

EXAMPLE A
1. Infantry in building.
2. They go into Light Dropship that is within 1". (ONE MOVE)
3. Transport goes half to within 1" of another building.
4. Infantry go can into the new building. (TWO MOVE)

EXAMPLE B
1. Infantry in building.
2. Infantry leaves building (ONE MOVE) and can be picked up by a transport up to 3" away. (TWO MOVE)
Leaving/entering a building counts as a MOVE.

(Dec 12 2013 --- As "Fate" points out, perhaps, I'm being confusing in how I describe this.  I broke it down to show how TWO MOVES were being used. Furthermore, infantry leaving the building in this manner use up their total move.)

EXAMPLE C
1. Infantry in building.
2. They go into a Bear APC that is within 1" of the building. (ONE MOVE)
3. The Bear APC is picked up by a Condor. (TWO MOVE)

As you can see, you want transports to be within 1" of a building. Furthermore, Example A gives you the most mobility.

If no building is involved, the Condor/Bear/Infantry move is slightly faster (3").
(Thanks "Grimjaw" for pointing out my previous error.)

1. Condor gives 9".
2. Drops off Bear +3". (ONE)
3. Bear half-moves 3."
4. Bear drops Infantry +3".
5. Infantry does half-move +1." (TWO)
19" Total

1. Raven A moves 12".
2. Drops off infantry +3". (ONE)
3. Infantry half -moves 1". (TWO)
16" total move.

Remember, you can hand over objectives to the Bear (vehicle).

As far as disembarkcing/embarking, "jgcpalmer" got an official response, and also searched through the forums (and the rulebook), and the answer is:

Infantry count as having disembarked once if their APC disembarks from the dropship.
Abandoning a building (and not directly into a transport) counts as disembarking, and it also counts as having moved their full amount of movement, so they cannot move any more, but they could embark on a transport up to 3" away, but would not be allowed to disembark it on the same turn as they would have already taken 2 embark/disembark actions.

Shaltari Dreamsnare + Totem Combo

From Hawk Simon, the Dreamsnare would increase the save given to a building by a Totem, but the Dreamsnare would need to be in range of the building, not the Totem in order to improve the save.

Shaltari Totem

In regard to shooting, can materialize and shoot OR shoot and dematerialize but cannot do two "transport" moves while shooting.  If no shooting, they can be dematerialized/materialized as normal.

From Hawk Simon, "Yep, infantry would get the save as the shot would have to pass through the shield to get to them!" (when using the shield on a building)

Fast Movers

You can choose to defer them for an intercept run although once you have made that decision you cant decide to activate them later, they either intercept or don't activate that turn. - Hawk Simon

Attacking Buildings

Buildings are ALWAYS hit on a 2+.  There are no exceptions to this.  Yes, Scourge arc casters will hit on a 2+ too.
 

Passive Saves

Remember they apply to HITS, not damage (like a certain other game).  When combining hits from Scourge Warriors and or Ferrum Starsprite Drones (you roll for hit and combine for the stronger shot if appropriate) and then you take the passive save.

Hi Guys, right I have spoken to Dave and he has ruled that the 3 hits combine into 1 hit and that you take the PCM save against the single energy 11 hit and not the 3 (or more) individual hits. - Hawk Simon

If you have 2 passive saving throws you pick the best one to use, you don't get to make 2 saving throw rolls! - Hawk Simon