A couple of question about the Kabalite Stormsurge Apocalypse Formation

I'm going to be playing in my very first Apocalypse game in a few weeks, and I have a question concerning one of the formations available to the Dark Eldar.

Way back in hallowed antiquity (i.e., White Dwarf #15), the rules for a formation called the Kabalite Stormsurge were released. It's a fairly straightforward formation, with a single Archon, three units of either Kabalite Warriors or Trueborn, and three units of Reaver Jetbikes. The "Options and Formation Restrictions" note says "The formation's Infantry units must begin the game embarked in Raider Transports."

Under the Special Rules it goes on to mention

Quote :

Stormsurge: The units in this formation are not deployed at the start of the battle or kept in Strategic reserve. Instead, in the Movement Phase of their side's first turn, the Raider on which the Archon is embarked is placed anywhere on the table, and then all other units in the Formation are placed within 12" of the Archon's Raider. All units must be placed on Open Ground and more than 1" away from any enemy models. Any models that cannot be deployed for any reason are removed as casualties.

Here are my questions:

1) The Archon does not have an option to take a Raider by himself. Does that mean he must join one of the units of Kabalite Warriors or Trueborn on their Raider? Or can he join a Court of the Archon and appropriate their Raider Transport for his own use?

2) As the unit specifically says it will NOT be entering the board from Strategic Reserve, does that mean they are immune to the Interceptor rule? The Interceptor Rule states "At the end of the enemy Movement phase, a weapon with the Interceptor special rule can be fired at any one unit that has arrived from Reserve within its range and line of sight."

Thanks in advance!

Keep in mind apoc is not designed to be overly balanced...and that's compared to GW's normal levels of wonky balance...

The way I take it, going off what you wrote, I would say the archon has to start with one of the warrior/true born units. I don't think an archon from this formation could take a court any more than I think a big mek from Morgok's Boss Boys can take a little mek...but I could easily be missing something.

I'd definitely say it ignores Interceptor, as you said, the units didn't arrive from reserve. They should also be able to assault the turn they come in unless I'm missing something.

Blackfel wrote:

Here are my questions:

1) The Archon does not have an option to take a Raider by himself. Does that mean he must join one of the units of Kabalite Warriors or Trueborn on their Raider? Or can he join a Court of the Archon and appropriate their Raider Transport for his own use?

Interesting point.

Obviously you can't take a Court of the Archon as part of the formation, but if you have one in a separate CAD, you might be able to get away with embarking the Archon on their Raider. Not very helpfully worded, really.

Blackfel wrote:

2) As the unit specifically says it will NOT be entering the board from Strategic Reserve, does that mean they are immune to the Interceptor rule? The Interceptor Rule states "At the end of the enemy Movement phase, a weapon with the Interceptor special rule can be fired at any one unit that has arrived from Reserve within its range and line of sight."

I believe it is indeed immune.

After looking at all the rules I retract my idea on them assaulting, but still go along with what I said earlier, and agree with what Shredder said.

I'm going to have to see about talking my homies into allowing apoc formations into "normal" 40k...that LD pen is indescribably attractive...

No kidding on the Leadership modifier.  On the first turn, the Stormsurge gives the enemy a - 3 mod.  I'm giving my Archon the Armor of Misery for another - 2. If we weren't fighting Imperials, I would equip the Raiders with Torment grenade launchers and let the hilarity ensue.

I put TGLs on a couple raiders as I don't see wall to wall space marines in my area...and I like 'em. Wouldn't take more than two or so in most lists.

Normally I run succubi with the AoM, but yeah, in this case an archon...then bring in a shadowseer with the Mask of Secrets...maybe squeeze a grotesquerie in there

I'm going to email Geedubs asking if they can remove the apocalypse only restriction on this.

It's powerful yet not when compared to the massive cheese platter formations they've been serving up recently.

Even though i know they won't listen its worth a try and I'd encourage you all to do the same.

Yeah........remember when we enmasse emailed the same batch of FAQ questions to GW, in the hope that large numbers would make them pay attention? And when they finally did do an FAQ, they completely ignored it?
Yea, best of luck.

Painjunky wrote:

I'm going to email Geedubs asking if they can remove the apocalypse only restriction on this.  

Don't be silly, man!

Why, if this formation was allowed, DE might actually scratch the paint on a couple of SM Razorbacks, before being blown to smithereens by the other 3 dozen.

That just wouldn't be cricket.

You can't compare anyone to Space Marines. They get everything for free. They are the poster boys. But against most other armies it might be awesome!

I think its fair to compare to Space Marines considering they account for at least 50% of all armies.
And lets be honest, in the unlikely event GW DID allow it, it wouldn;t be the only one. Other Formations would follow, and they would be a lot worse for us.

CptMetal wrote:

You can't compare anyone to Space Marines. They get everything for free. They are the poster boys. But against most other armies it might be awesome!

I think you might have misunderstood what I meant.

My point was simply that I can't see GW removing the 'apocalypse only' restriction from our formation.

Which is a shame because I'd really like to be able to use it.

Lol, no kidding! A -3 Ld bubble from a scatterless deep striker? The Freakshow contingent votes yes, please!

I thought freakshow players would love to use this formation! As would I. Anyway email sent i let you all know if i get a reply.

I'm more interested in the alpha-strike possibilities.