Bolster Defense

[Necron2.0]

The rule for "Bolster Defense" states that a Techmarine can bolster a single ruin before the game begins. It goes on to say you choose which ruin to bolster at the time you deploy. Nowhere in the rule does it say that the techmarine has to be deployed IN the ruin that is bolstered. Technically, there's nothing that says the Techmarine even has to be on the board when the game begins. So, what's your take on Bolster? Would you argue that the Techmarine has to start the game in the ruin he is to bolster? If so, what if he's in a transport in or adjacent to the ruin, would that count? If you say he doesn't need to be in the ruin, what if he's in a drop pod - would the ruin still benefit from bolster?

This question stems from an argument I had with someone over my usage of Captain Lysander to bolster a ruin for some scouts prior to the game. The good Captain actually started the game in a Land Raider adjacent to the ruin.

[Calgar33]

My friends and I use the rule as it reads, you bolster one ruin no matter if the techmarine is on the table or not.

[DarkLink]

Why would the Techmarine need to start in the terrain? There's absolutely no reason whatsoever to think that he would have to. Your friend needs to learn to read, I think.

[Daemonette666]

Combat Engineers dig the bigger than normal holes and trench systems for your platoon/squad, and then shore up the walls, etc so it can withstand everything but a direct artillery strike (well at least in theory) before the enemy attack. They do not have to sit there and ensure it continues to stand while the enemy blast and bombard your position.

If they are doing their job correctly, they should be down the line digging in another unit, preparing them against the expected enemy attack, or in the rear echelon, preparing their own pits and trenches, or more likely the HQs dog pit (Command and Communications Pit).

[Tynskel]

This is an important skill to develop when reading the rulebook. Look at other rules– how do they fit in with the context of the game?

For example: look at Vulkan's special rules-- does it state that he has to be on the board? Or does it simply state that the act of taking him as a choice grants certain abilities?

Find out how the rules fit together, and the majority of these types of questions will not need to be asked.

[Necron2.0]

In all fairness, I should mention that the group I play with are first and foremost RPGers, and they like to infuse thematic elements into everything, even our wargaming sessions. As example, it's not sufficient when playing a capture and control game to say "Ok, your objective is this Mountain Dew bottle-cap in this ruin, while I'm going after the crazy-hair troll behind that hill." The token has to be something the army would authentically go after. Similarly they do tend to read a little bit too much between the lines with rules sometimes. And to be completely honest I might balk a bit if the one doing the bolstering were deployed in a drop pod far above the battlefield.

[gcsmith]

thats not silly if its lysander, he can support the ruins then teleport up to accompany termies in a drop pod assault :)

[Xas]

In all fairness, I should mention that the group I play with are first and foremost RPGers, and they like to infuse thematic elements into everything, even our wargaming sessions. As example, it's not sufficient when playing a capture and control game to say "Ok, your objective is this Mountain Dew bottle-cap in this ruin, while I'm going after the crazy-hair troll behind that hill." The token has to be something the army would authentically go after. Similarly they do tend to read a little bit too much between the lines with rules sometimes. And to be completely honest I might balk a bit if the one doing the bolstering were deployed in a drop pod far above the battlefield.


there is nothing wrong with doing your own houserules as long as BOTH parties AGREE BEFOREHAND.

the rules in fact are not written for people like you (afaik if your all about the story you should kick out everything but the stats of the models and do whatever you seam fit) but those who come from a more "game"play than "role"play stance.

therefore what matters is the mechanics of the rules and they state that you only ahve to have the unit in the army, not deployed.

from a background perspective it might appear strange if the techmarine arrives in a droppod later but at same times it also appears strange that only troops can hold objectives and a dutifull person like a space marine chapter master woldnt do everything to enshure his mission is sucessfull (even if he personally has to haul that holy icon or what not home to the transporters after the fight!)

[Necron2.0]

Well hang on a minute. I said that the game group I play with are primarily RPGers. That is not to say that I am primarily an RPGer (hence the origin of the stated disagreement above). My background is more in war games, although I am new to 40k. I tend to follow my group's lead when it comes to the rules, however, because for myself I find the 40k rule set to be a little under-defined (or, if you prefer, lets say it's open to free form interpretation). Plus, I'm just in it for the fun, not so much to argue rules interpretations. Still, I was curious how others would see the situation.

[DarkLink]

Here's my opinion: I would be very irritated if my opponent tried to pull some bull$*#% about "oh, but how could it be reinforced if the techmarine doesn't start in it?". Because he drew up plans and made some scouts go and make some basic fortifications or something, that's how. I just want to play the stupid game, not argue over something as pointless as how they could have reinforced a pile of rocks via magic.

The rules are clear. If someone doesn't think it's fluffy, then they don't have to do it. But don't try and stop another player from doing something they are legally allowed to do for as stupid of a reason as "I can't visualize how they would do it". That's just being an @$$.

[Fellend]

In all fairness, I should mention that the group I play with are first and foremost RPGers, and they like to infuse thematic elements into everything, even our wargaming sessions. As example, it's not sufficient when playing a capture and control game to say "Ok, your objective is this Mountain Dew bottle-cap in this ruin, while I'm going after the crazy-hair troll behind that hill." The token has to be something the army would authentically go after. Similarly they do tend to read a little bit too much between the lines with rules sometimes. And to be completely honest I might balk a bit if the one doing the bolstering were deployed in a drop pod far above the battlefield.

Can I join your group? =P

Maybe he's just giving instructions?

[Arch_Bishop]

As has already been said, you can bolster defenses, whether he (Lysander or Techmarine) is on the battlefield or not (and anywhere in between for that matter).

I use Lysander to bolster all the time, particularly in conjunction with stealth Scouts (2+ cover is very annoying).

Never had any problems with the rules, as in, no one I have played has ever had a problem with it.

Rules as written.

[Necron2.0]

I use Lysander to bolster all the time, particularly in conjunction with stealth Scouts (2+ cover is very annoying).

Yes. Yes it is, especially when those scouts are led by Sergeant Telion. ;)

[Tynskel]

Hv Flamers usually solve this problem.

[Arch_Bishop]

Yes. Yes it is, especially when those scouts are led by Sergeant Telion. ;)

Is there any other?