v.1 Designer Notes:
I've tried to refocus this list more on the Ambush Tactics concept while not stepping on the Raven Guard list and genuinely having a distinct, but
familiar playstyle from their progenitors. They sit somewhere in between pure Raven Guard special ops and the Codex Marines (aka Air Assault) lists. I spent a lot of time of thinking of the Green Berets use of Ambush the enemy, retreat under covering fire, and lead the enemy into a second prepared ambush tactics [hinthinthint]
-Removed most options for Heavy Armour. Land Raider Phobos are available to Terminators only, lending their use in Strike Fast Strike Hard special rule via Landing Craft insertion. I've purposely left out Thunder Hawk Transporters for now. If playtesting shows they are needed then we'll add them in easy enough straight from the BT List.
-Allowed use of Rhino Damocles / Land Raider Prometheus as an upgrade to a single commander led formation. This would be a reasonable extrapolation considering the exceptional command and control requirements to pull of a joint strike operation like this involving air, guard, navy, and recon elements acting in tandem.
-Scouts renamed Recon as this is what the current Astartes fluff out of FW right now is leaning towards name-wise now. Otherwise unchanged stats from Codex List.
-Recon detachment is 5 stands with transport. Can upgrade to the standard Razorbacks but also can take Land Speeder Storm upgrade.
-Recon detachment can upgrade entire outfit with Sniper ability.
-Land Speeders feature heavily in the list but I felt shouldn't have as many options as the RG so Typhoon upgrade was dropped.
-Whirlwinds dropped in favor of Whirlwind Hyperios. I wanted to get some actual R&D on stats for this guy. IN addition, static air defense features these already so it gives some continuity. Hyperios sacrifices range, power, and AT shot of the hunter for an additional attack (the two pods firing in tandem). Points are a wash between them.
-Rhinos feature a Dozer Blade upgrade. Free but costs -5cm but adds walker ability. Fits with the USMC in Vietnam feel we're going for.
-Tarantula and Hyperios platforms are clarified to be used only with Ambush formations. They also now have expendable to reflect the fact they are used and abandoned as the ambushers back laying suppressing fire. Again, USMC green berets in the jungle.
-Local Forces are reworked to specifically be a 1/3 allies option and limited to a 6 unit guard formation with an option for chimeras. Otherwise this is straight out of the Steel Legion list.
-New Special Rule:
Bait!. Only the IG Local Forces can Garrison. That's exactly why they are in the list. They're the worm on the hook and should dangle out there with the Raptors sitting in cover on overwatch.
-Raptor Ambush special rule now clarifies just exactly where they can be deployed: up to 10cms on opponents side, 20cm min from enemy formations and deployment area (important if doing corner deployments)
-Removed Teleport homers and whatnot. You want that then play RG list instead.
-Added Storm Eagle R&D stats as additional Air Mobile Option allowing you to not put all your eggs in one, albeit tough, WE basket.
-Scout formations can be deployed as normal. Non-planet falling units enter play as reserves. This fits as the rapid reinforcements arriving to push the trap shut and helps balance this list out.
-Raptor player has option to dual-corner deploy their scout formations to represent the initial pincer attack.
Considerations for play test:
-Consider if Raptor Ambush should be dropped to 750
-Use of TH Transporters for rapid insertion force
-Off board Arty?
-Recon 5 or 6 units?
![:{[]](./images/smilies/headbang.gif "Headbang")
