LordotMilk wrote:
All I am saying is that, if I understand correctly, the point of this list is to give an alterantive playstyle to Tau, whereby firefight assault is emphasized rather than straight-up shooting.
That's not quite correct, so I had better answer that first to put the other answers in to perspective. The goals are to create a new list that adds the new 40K Models to the game of Epic, to allow a more aggressive playstyle, and to allow firefight assaults to be a viable option.
A Tau list that can be played aggressively doesn't require that the list is truly proficent in assault.
To follow the example you used, it would be possible to do a Tau-Assault list using the same principle that was used when the designers created the Kreig list; the infantry lost their ranged weapons (dropped to 1 Heavy Stubber per 20 stands!) in order to gain CC5+ and became purchaseable in large formations of up to 30 stands (plus up to 3 Gorgon war engines). The Tau analogue would be for Firewarriors to lose a one of their ranged weapons to gain FF4+ instead of paying for it, or to commit to the Krieg approach where they lose all ranged weapons to gain FF4+ and get larger formations (eg 10 Firewarriors or 8 and 4 Devilfish for 225).
Here's the profile I tested at the current price of 225 for 8:
Vior'la Fire Warrior unit Infantry 15cm A5+ CC6+ FF4+ Pulse Rifles 30cm AP4+
Pulse Assault Carbines (Small Arms 15cm)
(the change is simply the Pulse Carbines 15cm AP5+, Disrupt is dropped up for the FF4+)
Since the goal wasn't to make a full on Assault version of Tau, this was changed back to the purchaseable Cadre Fireblade upgrade. Tau players get the option to have troops that represent the more elite Vior'la fighters with their higher muscle-mass than other Tau, without making a list that doesn't play Tau-style.
So why do I claim this is a list that better rewards aggressive players than most Tau armies? It's the sum total of minor changes.
[] Firewarriors and Crisis suits can buy FF4+ upgrade
[] The Commander can be bought for units other than Crisis Suits - this isn't detail; it's hard to play Crisis as an aggressive unit when their one delivery system starts off the table, is 2+ and has their reroll inside it!)
[] Ethereals gain Inspiring (trial to see if players will actually take them; it seems very 'thematic')
[] Riptides are resilient, operate at medium ranges and can hold the line vs average opponents
[] Sunsharks bombers add blast templates to the army, encouraging enemies to spread out and allowing Tau a better chance to clip a target
[] There's a 25pt discount per formation for closer-ranged tanks (trial, to see if people take them instead of railgun hammerheads)
[] Orcas can buy a Tau Deflector Shield upgrade to make loading them with expensive troops less suicidal
Add that all together and it creates a Tau list that can push forward in turn 2 as long as units support one another, while hitting enemy backline units.
I am considering adding the following unit since it is often requested and doesn't currently exist in Epic:
Vespid Stingwings 0-1 or 0-2 Support Choice
Type: INF Speed: 30 cm Armor: 6+ CC: 5+ FF: 4+
Weapons: Neutron Blasters (15cms) Small Arms
Wings (count as Jump Packs)
6 stands for 150pts (perhaps 175 if they get infiltrate)
I hope that clarifies what the goals of this list are, why it hasn't followed the whole Kreig approach, and why I still consider it a more aggressive army.
Comments questions and playtests are welcome