Dobbsy wrote:
Elsaurio, I'm just trying to get my head around why the Spotter rule is necessary. Is Indirect Fire not enough to hit long range targets? Is the reason based around Squat movement deficiency that they should get to move while IF'ing? I know the old SM Squat list used a spotter so is it a historical thing?
The thing is, with Ironhawks having a 45cm weapon range they can stand off quite a distance from the target (outside of assault etc thus avoiding danger to a degree) so the rule, to me at least(on paper after the first read), just seems to "bend/break" the IF rule of having to take a Sustain Fire action. Tau Markerlight units have to come within 30cm for a bonus thus being at risk of being assaulted and eventually removed. I know the rules are completely different in terms of effect but the bonus seems quite a good one given the types and numbers of weapons the Squats field.
Cheers
First of all, the spotter rule (like everything in this list) is a rule that has been copied from the original 2nd edition Squat rules. In that edition, the Colossus war machine came packaged with a Gyrocopter that used to fly around and 'spot' for it.
The spotter rule is weaker than having pure Indirect Fire. Sure, you can move and use it, but:
1) You do not double the range.
2) It forces you to move up your fragile gyrocopters and war balloons into enemy range and line of fire. These units can be shot down to remove the war engine's spotter ability.
I admit have a fondness for the spotter rule and want to see if I can work it into the new list. It encourages the squat war engines and gyrocopters to keep moving forward. If instead they had just Indirect Fire the whole army would be encouraged just sit back out of cover and sustain, which would be incredibly one dimensional.
I think it can certainly be re-worded and worked to make it fit better. I've left it until 'absolute last' on the things to fix as it is more of a 'army wide effect' than an individual unit.
Also Overlords are currently giving me headaches in the local meta. I'm not going to play with spotter until the overlords are looked at. *shakes fist at overlords*