Hi,
I just noticed that the rules in Net Epic Gold for Pop-Up Attacks are different from earlier versions of the rules; in the 2nd edition rules, units that were popped up remained exposed for the rest of the first fire phase and could be targeted by enemy units on FF that had not yet opened fire. In my recent battle report
http://www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=24153, this was how we played things.
I note that enemy units can now only snap fire against units popping up and that once the skimmer has fired that it immediately descends out of sight again. This new rule would have been to my benefit in my battle, but I have to honestly say I think it unfairly favours the Eldar player.
Pop-up attacks are already a big advantage for the Eldar, to have units only able to snap fire back at them (with a -1 to hit roll) makes them just too powerful for my liking. The mainstay of the Marine army, the Land Raider would now be required to roll sixes to hit, which seems a bit harsh. It would certainly make me think twice about buying tanks against Eldar as their accuracy will be greatly impaired.
Also, when snap firing at a pop-up unit, would the opponent have to say which units are snap firing before the rolls are made? This could mean a lot of wasted shots if a player really wanted to make sure that he got rid of those pesky Tempests. On the other hand, it wouldn't feel exactly fair for a player to fire at the popped up model, miss (or the other player succeed in rolling to save), only for that player to then nominate another unit to fire to have another go at taking out the model.
I completely understand the thinking behind the rule change, it does make more sense that the skimmers don't hang about in the air inviting fire, but I feel that if it is the case that the skimmer is making a hasty pop-up, perhaps - like the units they are firing at - they should be subject to the -1 roll to hit as well.
Apologies for rambling on!
