This would be a nice boost and definitely give them a role compared to Scorpions, who usually only get one CC combat unless they are mounted. I would favor testing this.

I think the stylistic problem with First Strike and the sometimes discussed Ignore Cover is that both are best against soft targets. FS against soft targets removes the most counter-attacks, and soft targets benefit the most from cover, so they lose the most against IC.


Exarchs definitely do not need an upgrade. Inspiring is their real power and it's even across the board. If anything, they should go the other way, taking away the special ability synergies that make certain exarchs so much better than the other options.

I would support developing a house rule for more specific exarchs, even to the point of separate stat lines, e.g. a DA Exarch that has a good CC attack value instead of the baseline DA and possibly a better armor save to reflect the defensive DA Exarch powers.

Then if the AC decided it was working, it could be considered for inclusion in the official lists.

I believe I posted that somewhere once, have to see if I can find it again.

And I'd like to see the Banshees-with-Infiltrator tested... with their acrobatics and paralyzing masks, they should be able to weave through their enemies.

For banshees I'm starting to think that perfect background representation is less important than actually seeing them on the table ever.

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Epic: Hive Development Thread

Crossposting so as it's here too:

"I use Scorpions and Banshees in a Vampire Raider to get in there and smash up FFighty formations in air assualt.

Otherwise my standard build is:
4 Dire Avengers
2 Firedragons (Exarch)
2 Dark Reapers (Autarch)
+4 Wave Serpents.

Throws out: 12x4+, 2x3+, 3x4+MW, 1x3+MW: Tasty! And they can lay a BM from 45cm away and shred infantry up close with shooting if need be.

I feel with hawks you pay extra for the teleport: which I'd NEVER use! 8 units trying not to roll a 1?! No thanks!

I've Seen Shining Spears used well many times as a formation on their own.

No opinion or experience with other Aspects"

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I am using all the specialists except Howling banshees (unpainted) and Shining Spears (i dont have).The best two options for me so far:

1.A shooting formation with 6 Dark reapers and 2 Striking scorpions on foot.
2.An assault formation of 4 Striking Scorpions and 4 Dire Avengers with 4 Wawe Serpents.

The two of them with exarchs and Autarchs.

If i deploy the Spiders i put the autarch there as they are tougher. I just used once the Swooping Hawks with good effect destroying a Whirlind formation and taking an objective but i suspect that was thanks to my opponent not used to them. I dont think i will surprise him again.

The doubt i have if is better to deploy them inside the Wawe Serpents the first turn so they can assault the same turn, same with the guardians on WS. What do you think?

What I like about the teleporting Hawks is the extremely long and annoying picket you can deploy to harass the enemy with... something they have to deal with.

One of my "go to" formations is 6 Spiders and 2 Hawks, the Hawks added for scouts ZoC harassment effects post-combat.