...here's version 3.1 of the Space Marines Draft!
This is a big step in the right direction.
Strike Cruiser Lance OptionI can concede on the lances like Vaaish; they are completely pointless for that cost, but if it makes someone out there feel better because the option exists then okay.
Strike Cruiser Bombardment OptionI still agree that Strength 3 is the appropriate trade. Not only do I feel it's more even with Str6 Torps, but you must factor in that even in this draft SCs need and will continue to squadron in packs of 2-3 to be effective. With Str7 BCs that is some serious firepower. 3 SCs with the bombardment option will put out more then the new SO barge.
Seditio OpprimereI really like what you've done, BUT am I the only one that thinks 12 BC is to much? Seriously, that is more powerful then the 6 lance version that was first proposed! Especially since the dorsal BC can now be combined with a broadside. I think it should be toned down to, 10 BC to a broadside and even 10 is just barely shaving off a die or two. I guess that might warrant a price decrease to the original SO value.
Shield OptionNice, my SM buddy is going to love that. My Chaos lances will not. Although I'm not at odds with how a second shield is implemented into the draft. I still favor re-configuring the basic cruiser to have a single T-hawk and the 2 shields come standard. This then leaves the opening for making the "carrier" variant of an SC with 3 T-hawks as we were discussing earlier.
The reason I like this concept is two fold:
1.) It allows flexibility in fleet design which SM have very little of compared to other races. Instead of a boiler plate cruiser fleet, a commander will now be able to tailor the fleet towards T-hawk heavy designs or bombardment heavy (or torp) design to better suit his playing style. This also helps to alleviate the RO special order problems that SM always have and that is not addressed in the current draft design.
2.) I believe it will make it more fun for opponents, because they now have to make choices. Right now, I simply pick the closest SC, since they are all the same, and either blow it up in 1 turn or cripple it to hinder his T-hawk output. With T-hawk distribution being less even it will force not only the player to think about fleet and squad composition, but it will also force the opponent to make more tactical decisions.
Cruiser Varient LimitationsIt's good that this does not apply to shield upgrades, but I thought we had been discussing a 1:1 ratio for the other variants? With the current wording "More Strike Cruisers in the fleet must be of the basic profile above then all other variants combined", it is not 1:1
Progress!
Russ