[mace]

[size=11pt]Note![/size]
Seeing as this is now stickied as a pseudo-faq thread - please make sure you have thoroughly read the codex before asking questions. Many questions that have arised lately are already covered in the codex - just read the fineprint.

[hr]

First of all, everything here is just opinions. Hopefully though, it will be brought to the attention of GW FAQ writers etc and be covered in the near future. Until then, these are still only opinions, mine and of some GW staff. I'll add to this when I get more too..

Heavy Disclaimer!

No rules clarification is official until shown in Warhammer Chronicles or Chapter Approved.

All opinions offered remain as such by selected respondant only.

It also says I'm not meant to publicate/disclose this..
I'm allowed to post this - though I must stress - this is just opinions, based off interpretations of the rules. It's only set in stone once covered in an FAQ.

And also, just a friendly note:


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[size=11pt]Contents[/size]
Batch #1 of Questions and Answers (this post)

• Sniper Drone Teams as Indepdent Units
• Cyclic Ion Blaster - auto-wound or just AP1?
• Ejection System - profile and equipment
• Shadowsun - No Deepstrike or Infiltrate?
• Controlled Drones and Indepedent Characters
• Controlled Drones and Target Locks
• Vehicle Drones - Disengaging from Piranhas
• Hard-point/Hard-wired systems

Batch #2 of Questions and Answers

• Pathfinders and "Scouts" - Does the ability extend to the Devilfish?
• Vehicle Gun Drones & VPs - Do disengaged drones count towards VPs?
• Independent Character vs Markerlight - Does the markerlight allow other units to shoot at the IC?
• Ethereal Honour Guard - What options do the Fire Warriors have?
• Commander O'Shovah - BS4? Counts towards 1+ Commander Choice?
• Advanced Stabilisation System - Does the ability extend to controlled drones, like Marker Drones?

Misc Questions (At the end of the Batch #2 post)

• Can skimmers be penetrated in close combat?
• Do decoy launchers work in close combat?
• Do fletchette dischargers work in tank shock?
• Do markerlights negate the Stealth Field Generator?
• Is the Devilfish a Dedicated Transport?

Other Questions covered in this thread
These questions are asked in this post and answered in subsequent posts.

• Does Commander Shadowsun become an independent character if her drones are killed off?
• Are Commander Shadowsun's Fusion Blasters considered twin-linked when fired at the same target?
• The Stealth Team entry mentions the XV15, but does not offer a functional difference between XV15 and XV25. Can the XV15 still be fielded?
• Are the Chapter Approved articles for Anghor Prok and Gue'Vesa still allowed to be used?
• Can infantry units equipped with a hard-wired multi-tracker fire their normal weapon and a markerlight at the same time?
• How does a model that has used its ejection system effect victory points?
• If a vehicle has been destroyed, but the drones that were attached to it are still in play, does the opponent get full or half victory points?

These questions are asked in this post and answered in subsequent posts.

• If an Ethereal is in a transport - do you still get inspiring presence and price of failure?
• Does the Airbursting Fragmentation Projector shoot at the same target as any other weapons?
• Does the Smart Missile System shoot at the same target as any other weapons?
• Slow and Purposeful + Marker Drones? (Covered in Batch #2..)
• Cyclic Ion Blaster + Rules? (Covered in Batch #1 to some degree)

Other Questions:

• Can Crisis Suits take three weapons?
• Jetpacks - that post onwards
• Crisis Suits - Wargear Limits
• Kroot and Fieldcraft - Question - Answer

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[size=11pt]Batch #1 of Questions and Answers[/size]
The questions that I sent off to GW Hobby Service Via email..

"Quote from: Hobby Service": Hobby Service Answer
S: Staff at my local GW.
M: My own take on it...

Sniper Drones
Does each sniper drone team function independently from one another? Nowhere on it's army list entry is the word 'independently' even mentioned, unlike Zoanthroapes in the Tyranid Codex, or Imperial Guard Platoons, where it is specifically stated that each model/unit respectively can function independently. However, the word 'team' might suggest that they do, and the recent battle report in WD 315 has them functioning as separate units (and consequently have a decent chance of running away after a single casualty[25%]).

Originally Posted by Hobby Service

As far as I know they operate as seperate teams, although with their stealth field they should not be taking casulties that fast....

S: Forgot to ask.. I'll go back again on friday. Update: Asked the manager, he said they function independently, similar to certain Warhammer Fantasy Units (not sure which ones) where you get multiple units that count as one slot.
M: It's two sided really, I would personally play it safe and just not use them seperately, but then that could be rather overpowered. I only have one squad though, so doesn't really concern me. Just make sure you agree with your opponent beforehand. I guess it makes sense to have them seperately though


Cyclic Ion Blaster
Wondering about the last sentence in the wargear entry on page 26, do rolls to wound of a 6 automatically wound? otherwise the last statement of "regardless of the targets toughness" is rather irrelevant, as AP and wounding are separate things..

Originally Posted by Hobby Service

Its abilities do not mean that it can wound creatures it normally would not be able to, thus I am not sure why they included that line.

S: Confusion. Didn't see the last sentence at first, but upon reading it again said that it would auto wound - it's basically like rending, just without the vehicle bit.
M: I would agree with them, the last sentence would be a bit irrelevant otherwise. It's implied that's what happens.. but only implied. By strict interpretation, the last sentence is meaningless, and that it wouldn't be able to wound things that it can't in the first place..


Ejection System
What does the overall modified profile look like? More specifically, the statline modifications are pretty straightforward, however the equipment he has is debatable. Either, the pilot functions basically as a fire warrior with the modified statline and a pulse pistol only, or still retains hard-wired equipment (drone controllers?) from the battlesuit, and the jump infantry unit type... The converted XV8 Battlesuit Pilot on the GW website (http://oz.games-workshop.com/games/4.../wargear/3.htm) has led various people to believe he still has a function jetpack of some sort.

Originally Posted by Hobby Service

He has no equipment, as per the codex on page 26.

S&M: XV8 is equipment (including jetpack!), it says he is only equipped with pulse pistol, so that's all he has. No weapons, no wargear, just a pistol. Treat as IC fire warrior, with modified profile and pulse pistol only.


Shadowsun
Unlike all other battlesuits, or stealthsuits, Shadowsun does not appear to have Infiltrate nor Deep Strike, as they are not mentioned anywhere in her profile. Was this intended or an omission/oversight?
(I don't really mind this, it would be rather unfair to the opponent to be able to do either and potentially blow up two tanks on the first turn..)

Originally Posted by Hobby Service

Nope, it would appear that she does not have those abilities. Even if she did it wouldnt help that much(would you want your ###pt character that close to the enemy lines?

S: As above. You wouldn't want your commander behind enemy lines etc would you?
M: As above. Makes sense if you put it that way. I guess in terms of game balance, you would be able to blow up two tanks on the first turn if you were able to DS or Infil.


Attached Drones + IC's
Do drones attached to XV8 Commanders negate Independent Character (IC) status? the IC special rule in the Commander Army list entry only specifies Bodyguards negating the status, and that Commanders with drones still function as an IC, in being able to join other units.

Originally Posted by Hobby Service

Indeed, according to the Drone section on page 31 the IC and his drones become a unit. Thus they are able to be targetted at will, however they are still able to join other units.

S: Still counts as IC.
M: Technically forms a unit, so is no longer IC, however is pretty much half-IC, same as the old codex, as it is still able to join other units as though it was an IC. Infact, yes, the Hobby Service guy is right, page 31 of the codex, specifically stated the answer..



Attached Drones + Target Locks
If a model has a target lock and a drone controller with drones - do the drones shoot at the same target that the controlling model shoots at, or do they shoot at the same target as the rest of the unit, in the case of the controlling model using its target lock to shoot elsewhere?

Originally Posted by Hobby Service

The drones are part of the unit, so they will be force to shoot at the same target as the rest of unit.

S: Mixed opinions.
M: Shoots with the rest of the unit, as it must maintain coherency with the unit that the controller is in, not the controller only. And they don't have target locks themselves (unlike sniper drones).



Attached Drones to Vehicles
Just wanted to make sure - Attached drones to Devilfishes can't assault in the same turn they detach - due to the statement that they disengage the same way that infantry dismount from a transport (and the devilfish not being open topped) - correct? However as a Piranha IS open-topped - attached drones can assault? (and also - all drones in a piranha squadron form a unit altogether? meaning potentially a bumper squad of 10 drones?)

Originally Posted by Hobby Service

Drones from a Devilfish cannot assault the turn they jump off, unless of course they dismount before the Devilfish moves. I do not belive that Pirahnas part of a squadron have their drones join up as the entry for Gun drones states that the drones form an independant unit.

S: Didn't ask.
M: I hope he's right. I quite like the idea of many squads of 2 drones. Though the rule on page 31 does say a Piranha Squadron.. open to interpretation really. Decide with opponent beforehand.



Hard-Wired & Hard-Point Systems
These are assumed to be the same system regardless of the form they come in right?

Originally Posted by Hobby Service

They are assumed to be the same, so you can not have more than drone controller.....

S: Didn't ask.
M: What he said.

[hr]

That's about it for now.. If you have any questions regarding the Tau: Empires Codex (Rules etc, not requests for disclosure of stats/info), post them here and I'll see what I can do to get them answered, or at least a range of opinions on it.. Likewise, I'll follow up on those one's I missed so far..

[Rechar]

Clarification of whether the devilfish is designated or not as it seems to have a few people confused.

[fuby]

I have a couple:

If a markerlight was scored on an IC by someone that legally can do it, can another squad which is not legally able to target (due to not being the closest, but has LOS) the IC use 1 of the marketlights to target IC for an attack.

With Flecette Discharges(sp?) what do you do if a vehicle, with a WS, assaults your vehicle that has this upgrade?

[march10k]

Some considerations on the sniper drones (we really need a definitive FAQ ruling on this one):

1. If three teams are a single unit, all nine rifles have to shoot at the same thing. (this is bad)

2. If three teams are a single unit, they have to deploy together (this is bad)

3. If three teams are a single unit, all nine rifles benefit from the same set of markerlight hits...hmmm, two markerlight hits translate into 6-7 MEQ kills! (this is good)

4. If three teams are a single unit, it takes 4 kills to equal 25% losses, and 7 kills to be below half strength (this is good)

5. If three teams are a single unit, you can only potentially pin one unit per turn per HS choice (this is bad)

There appear to be pros and cons to either side, but I believe that the designer's intent was that they function separately. 4 models in one location are a lot more stealthy than 12, and having 9 snipers benefitting from the same markerlight hit would be extremely overpowered.

/edit/

Of course the DF is a dedicated transport!

[Jebz]

I am with Fuby on one of his questions...

If a markerlight was scored on an IC by someone that legally can do it, can another squad which is not legally able to target (due to not being the closest, but has LOS) the IC use 1 of the marketlights to target IC for an attack.

I intended to use this as it does not say anywhere that I can't.

The markerlight actually says...

A markerlight is a hand-held device that projects a simple beam upon a target, and it is used to GUIDE OTHER WEAPONS to it with unerring accuracy

So, I can use it, yes?

[[something clever]]

I'd say no, markerlight hits negate Target Priority rules and not being able to target an IC doesn't follow the same rules. Unfortunately, I'm at school right now so I can't throw a quoted rule at you. :P

Edit:
@March10k
1. & 5. - Sniper drones come with a target lock, so each individual drone can fire at a separate unit if it wants.

[Savient]

Originally Posted by march10k

Some considerations on the sniper drones (we really need a definitive FAQ ruling on this one):

1. If three teams are a single unit, all nine rifles have to shoot at the same thing. (this is bad)

2. If three teams are a single unit, they have to deploy together (this is bad)

3. If three teams are a single unit, all nine rifles benefit from the same set of markerlight hits...hmmm, two markerlight hits translate into 6-7 MEQ kills! (this is good)

4. If three teams are a single unit, it takes 4 kills to equal 25% losses, and 7 kills to be below half strength (this is good)

5. If three teams are a single unit, you can only potentially pin one unit per turn per HS choice (this is bad)

There appear to be pros and cons to either side, but I believe that the designer's intent was that they function separately. 4 models in one location are a lot more stealthy than 12, and having 9 snipers benefitting from the same markerlight hit would be extremely overpowered.

/edit/

Of course the DF is a dedicated transport!

1) Reread the sniper drone equipment listing on page 31. Thats as close as I can get to saying this is not true without giving out codex info.

[Savient]

Originally Posted by [ mace

link=topic=20800.msg1057981351#msg1057981351 date=1143035176]
Cyclic Ion Blaster
Wondering about the last sentence in the wargear entry on page 26, do rolls to wound of a 6 automatically wound? otherwise the last statement of "regardless of the targets toughness" is rather irrelevant, as AP and wounding are separate things..

The last sentence IS irrelivant, as the words "always wounds on a role of 6" or "Rending" is not stated anywhere in the weapon's profile. You cannot use this weapon to hit say a T10 Carnifex.

Attached Drones + IC's
Do drones attached to XV8 Commanders negate Independent Character (IC) status? the IC special rule in the Commander Army list entry only specifies Bodyguards negating the status, and that Commanders with drones still function as an IC, in being able to join other units.

The drones and the commander DO form a unit. They just retain the option to join other units. "Independant characters are represented by INDIVIDUAL models...", quote from the book. Individual being one, not 2 or 3.

Attached Drones to Vehicles
Just wanted to make sure - Attached drones to Devilfishes can't assault in the same turn they detach - due to the statement that they disengage the same way that infantry dismount from a transport (and the devilfish not being open topped) - correct? However as a Piranha IS open-topped - attached drones can assault? (and also - all drones in a piranha squadron form a unit altogether? meaning potentially a bumper squad of 10 drones?)

Drones may assault off of a piranah that moved 12" or less, but may never assault off of a devilfish unless they were diembarked prior to the devilfish moving that turn. Page 62 in the 4th edition rulebook spells it out in a way so there is absolutely no confusion.

[Savient]

Originally Posted by [something clever

link=topic=20800.msg1057981448#msg1057981448 date=1143045220]
I'd say no, markerlight hits negate Target Priority rules and not being able to target an IC doesn't follow the same rules. Unfortunately, I'm at school right now so I can't throw a quoted rule at you. :P

This is correct. Page 29, Markerlight box, 3rd bullet down.

[DireStrike]

Oldies but goodies -

Can skimmers be penetrated in close combat?
Do decoy launchers work in close combat?

New -
Do fletchette dischargers work in tank shock?