I can understand the void/deflector/shield rationale. They create a barrier type shield but D-weapons aren't projectiles, they open rifts in space time and therefore bypass any barrier. However you still need to choose a point in space/time.

Holo/shadowfields affect targeting/aim. They don't rely on barrier technology but on the enemy completely missing. D-weapons can disrupt space/time but it might not be the space/time where the target actually is. Although once hitting I could justify ignoring the shadowfields since they are partially a barrier type shield (but not the cover modifier).

It's really just a knee jerk reaction, I'd be happy to see how it affects the tabletop in practice, but things like holo/shadowfields (ignore shields, ignore to hit modifier, etc.) need to be specified.

The Cobra is a difficult one to balance. No matter what you do someone (you know I'm looking at you ) always complains.

I agree; the short (30cm) range is crucial for balance and for flavor. It’ll always restrict it to being a niche unit, but that’s fine; the Eldar armory is by no means small.

What makes the Cobra difficult to use is that barrage weapons never get better than 5+ against armor. Sometimes I’d rather take a smaller number of high-probability shots.

The problem isn't the low hit by itself, but the combination of low hit, potentially multiple attacks and short range. It makes the weapon sensitive to hit modifiers, while the short range makes them hard to avoid. The end result is a unit that mostly does very little (one D3+1 hit half the time when doubling against battle titans) but that can triple its damage output AND hit reliably (when using sustain fire).

That's what makes the Cobra hard to balance.

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- Ulrik

Liking the report PFE100.

D.

Ok, here is a really wacky suggestion - so please treat this with caution.

Perhaps we could increase the range of the Cobra to 45cm if the speed was reduced to 20cm. This would mean that the Cobra would not be able to shoot targets in the enemy deployment zone in the 1st turn. However it would be slightly more potent
- singling it would have a range of 65cm rather than the current 55cm.
- doubling it would have a range of 85cm rather than 80cm

The question is whether this approach is acceptable, because the EoV chassis is intended to be consistent across all types of EoV. As people observed earlier, it does make this a lot more potent when on OW etc

Anyhow, what do people think; would this work?

Unfortunately that would make things more complicated. The cobra is fine the way it is, the Eldar list is already quite powerful. All the units don't need to be super viable.

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Necron AC (click to see current Necron list threads)
Toronto Wargaming Group

I'd certainly consider it. But the extra 15cm doesn't sit well with me (even with the reduced range). We could do with some other group tests. I'll try and get one in during January.

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www.epic-uk.co.uk - home of the UK Epic tournament scene
NetEA NetERC Xenos Lists Chair
NetEA Ork + Feral Ork + Speed Freak Champion

I think the 30cm range is needed for balance the Cobra. The chassis is the same as every other eldar SHT, so no reason to be slower.. Positioning is more important for the eldar, than weapon range!