thecactusman17
03-26-2011, 09:39 AM
More and more units composed of multiple psykers are becoming the norm in 40k. Most of these have rules stating that the unit is treated as a single psyker, but not all of them!
Warlocks in the Eldar codex are caught in an awkward position. Each model counts as a psyker, and is gifted with minor powers that do not require a test. We know that each is a Psyker because they individually prevent Wraithsight in nearby Wraithguard and Wraithlords, which is a condition that can only be accomplished by psykers according to the Wraithsight entry. By extension, this means that Farseers and Shadowseers can also perform this task.
In the course of a normal game, how do you envision this squad functioning from a rules perspective? How do you envision this affecting your average game?
Just so that people have an idea what might be at stake here, let's look at some options and rules from the Grey Knights, Witch Hunters, and Dark Eldar books that would be significantly impacted by this rule?
Culexus Assassin: Available in slightly different flavors from both the Witch Huntres and new Grey Knights codex, one of the most critical powers remains the same: The Animus Speculum is an Assault 2 weapon which gains additional shots for each psyker within 12". If you are next to a 10-model Psyker Battle Squad, this weapon is now Assault 3. If you were to pop up next to a 10-model Warlock squad with an attached Farseer, you would theoretically be at assault 13!
Crucible of Malediction: Against a squad of Grey Knights, "every psyker" would refer to the squad leader, the highest LD in the squad, or a random model if neither of those options apply. According to the current book, that model would suffer the consequences of any failure. Presumedly, this would also impact Psyker Battle Squads the same way.
Warlocks, though, would have to test individually if one followed the strict RAW interpretation.
How do you interpret the rules for identifying psykers when engaging Warlocks?
Warlocks in the Eldar codex are caught in an awkward position. Each model counts as a psyker, and is gifted with minor powers that do not require a test. We know that each is a Psyker because they individually prevent Wraithsight in nearby Wraithguard and Wraithlords, which is a condition that can only be accomplished by psykers according to the Wraithsight entry. By extension, this means that Farseers and Shadowseers can also perform this task.
In the course of a normal game, how do you envision this squad functioning from a rules perspective? How do you envision this affecting your average game?
Just so that people have an idea what might be at stake here, let's look at some options and rules from the Grey Knights, Witch Hunters, and Dark Eldar books that would be significantly impacted by this rule?
Culexus Assassin: Available in slightly different flavors from both the Witch Huntres and new Grey Knights codex, one of the most critical powers remains the same: The Animus Speculum is an Assault 2 weapon which gains additional shots for each psyker within 12". If you are next to a 10-model Psyker Battle Squad, this weapon is now Assault 3. If you were to pop up next to a 10-model Warlock squad with an attached Farseer, you would theoretically be at assault 13!
Crucible of Malediction: Against a squad of Grey Knights, "every psyker" would refer to the squad leader, the highest LD in the squad, or a random model if neither of those options apply. According to the current book, that model would suffer the consequences of any failure. Presumedly, this would also impact Psyker Battle Squads the same way.
Warlocks, though, would have to test individually if one followed the strict RAW interpretation.
How do you interpret the rules for identifying psykers when engaging Warlocks?