General Necron Questions

[Occam]

Just a clutch of general rules questions I wanted to know about since I can't find a straight answer anywhere.

1) How many scarabs belong on each base? Is it three or four? I've heard three is ok and that is what I did last edition.

2) just how fast do how skimmers move and when?

3) what is the point of the phaeron rule [giving 'relentless' to a given unit]?

4) how and when to use deathmarks--what's so good about deep striking next to an enemy on their turn? Do I suddenly get to fire? [I have 10, just FYI]. B) How would I use these units effectively?

5) Spyders: If I buy three of them, do they all have to move as one unit? THe old edition allowed me to to field them as independent units. I'm assuming this isn't the case anymore...

Thanks. Been reading the new rule book and not quite finding the answers I am looking for.

[Tynskel]

relentless is obvious: you can charge after rapid fire.

[Learn2Eel]

1) Look at the number of wounds a base has and this should give you a good idea. However, three or four is fine - most won't care, as either way they are still represented as Scarab Swarms.

2) Skimmers can move just like other vehicles - 6" is combat speed, 12" is cruising speed. However, skimmers have the benefit of being able to fly over intervening terrain and units rather than going around them - they still take dangerous terrain as normal where applicable. They can also go flat out as normal. Skimmers can also move flat out in the shooting phase - I haven't got my rulebook handy so I can't clue you up there. However, I do know fast skimmers can move flat out up to like 24" or something. As this is a Necron themed question, the amount of guns an Annihilation Barge can shoot if it moves at combat speed (6") is 1 - the other has to fire snap shots, and at cruising speed (12") both fire snap shots.

3) Relentless allows you to move and shoot rapid fire or heavy weapons at full BS and still be able to charge. However, few units in the Necron codex have heavy weapons, and those that do tend to already have this rule. Also, you really don't want to get into close combat when playing as Necrons with your rapid-firing guys, so Phaeron isn't too useful an upgrade. It was much better in 5th Edition, but now it is best not to pay the points.

4) A) It can force your opponent to shift their valuable firepower from another target onto the Deathmarks - AFAIK their rule simply means they can deep strike anywhere once the criteria has been met, meaning you don't have to worry about rolling for it on your turn and can thus move them normally in your next movement phase. And no - you cannot fire in your opponents turn.
B) I would usually run 5-strong squads deep striking. A really good combination is to pair them with a Cryptek with the Abyssal Staff and the Veil of Darkness. I won't go into details but it is nasty. They tend to be used as harassers, and are also quite decent against units that rely on high toughness (such as monstrous creatures) due to having sniper weapons and the marked ability.

5) You can have three units of one, it just means you would fill up all of your heavy support choices. Alternatively, you can field them in bigger numbers and take up to three squads of three.

[JMichael]

Just a clutch of general rules questions I wanted to know about since I can't find a straight answer anywhere.

Learn2Eel is right on all accounts. But here are the rulebook pages for reference.

1) How many scarabs belong on each base? Is it three or four? I've heard three is ok and that is what I did last edition.
Learn2Eel is right.

2) just how fast do how skimmers move and when?
p83 in the rulebook. Keep in mind that while the Monolith is a Skimmer it is also Heavy (so only 6" move)

3) what is the point of the phaeron rule [giving 'relentless' to a given unit]?
p41. Relentless models can shoot with Heavy, Salvo, or Ordnance weapons even if they moved (and count as stationary). And can also charge after they fire Heavy, Ordnance, or Rapid Fire weapons.

4) how and when to use deathmarks--what's so good about deep striking next to an enemy on their turn? Do I suddenly get to fire? [I have 10, just FYI]. B) How would I use these units effectively?
By Deep Striking on your Enemy's turn (when their reserves enter) you have more flexibility and possible control when your Deathmarks arrive. You can then also move on your Turn to get to cover or a better position.

5) Spyders: If I buy three of them, do they all have to move as one unit? THe old edition allowed me to to field them as independent units. I'm assuming this isn't the case anymore...
Exactly as Learn2Eel stated.

Thanks. Been reading the new rule book and not quite finding the answers I am looking for.

[Nabterayl]

3) what is the point of the phaeron rule [giving 'relentless' to a given unit]?
p41. Relentless models can shoot with Heavy, Salvo, or Ordnance weapons even if they moved (and count as stationary). And can also charge after they fire Heavy, Ordnance, Salvo or Rapid Fire weapons.
Omitted salvo the second time.