Arco-Flagellants question

[The Space Wolf]

So I used my Arco-Flagellants for the first time in my Witch Hunters army. They performed miraculously, destroying an entire Plague Marines squad and then cleaning up a Berzerkers squad from my friends Black Legion CSM army.

 

However due to their Holy Rage rule they are required to charge toward the closest enemy unit. Well after cleaning up the Berzerkers I had my sights on the CSM's allied imperial guard, then my friend pointed out: Nah-ah-ahh! You have to assault the Rhino that had been carrying the CSM's. Well needless to say the 3 remaining arco's assaulted the Rhino, one killing itself in the process, and then they were picked off the remainder of the game because they were stuck wacking a useless tank. And since tanks can't be locked in combat, there was nothing I could do to prevent my arco's from being mowed down by the imperial guard while they were forced to continually assault the Rhino.

 

So my question: Am I missing something? Or is this just the downside to arco's? Also if it is the case that they must be locked in combat with a Rhino, when can they leave the Rhino? After it's immobilized? Or do I have to wreck it? Or blow it up?

[Judanas]

Yep, that's exactly what they do. Nothing says 'nearest viable enemy' so they will charge whatever they can. I've had a black templar player park a Land Raider next to them so they couldn't do anything for the rest of the game.

 

Not a huge fan of them myself but they are nasty if they work right.

[The Space Wolf]

So when can they stop assaulting the Rhino?

 

For instance if I successfully immobilize it with my Arco's do I have to continue to assault it? Or if I wreck it? Is the only time I can disengage from the Rhino when it gets completely destroyed and is removed/replaced with a crater?

[Judanas]

It has to be gone. Otherwise it still counts as an enemy to be destroyed.

[Validar]

if you wreck it you can't really attack it any further and as it is considered terrain, treat is as such and get the chaos scum down! (correct me if I'm totally off, please)

[number6]

Such is the problem with Rage. And because Arcos really can't ruin vehicles, they are relatively easy to "tar pit" by just making them chase vehicles. If you continue to use Arcos, you need to be certain you have plenty of anti-armour on hand so enemies can't force you to chase after vehicles like idiots for the entire game.

[River Black]

With rage you have to move towards the nearest visable enemy. You do NOT have to assault that enemy. If another enemy unit is with in charge range of the unit after it is done moving then you can take your pick with what to assault.

[Chengar Qordath]

With rage you have to move towards the nearest visable enemy. You do NOT have to assault that enemy. If another enemy unit is with in charge range of the unit after it is done moving then you can take your pick with what to assault.

Of course, it bears mentioning that Acro-flagellants to do not have the Rage USR, but a different, codex-specific special rule. The distinction is rather important, especially since Holy Rage grants extra movement. However, Holy Rage rule does not specify that units with it must charge the nearest unit, just that they must charge if they are able to, so your overall point remains.

 

That said, most people who use Rhinos or other vehicles to kite away Acro-flagellants can also keep them from getting within 6" of any better targets.

[ValourousHeart]

I have used Rhinos to help ensure that my Arcos get to the right target.

Since you SoB units are going to be driving at the enemy anyway, why not have the Arco chase your own Rhinos.

 

It puts more of a threat on stopping your Rhinos, because he will have to deal with getting the horrendous 1-2 punch of DG bolters followed by 2 squads of Arcos.

Lets just say if you are facing a under powered codex or an unoptimized list... it is game over the moment that trap is sprung.

 

Plus your own Rhinos keep your Arcos away from dumb targets like the monolith.

[Hellbreaker]

How do you get them to chase your own rhinos? :rolleyes:

 

Cheers!

[Chengar Qordath]

How do you get them to chase your own rhinos? :P

 

Cheers!

At a guess, you use your own Rhinos to block LoS to any hostile units.

[ValourousHeart]

Yes... they are running after your Rhinos, although they are not forced to do so, as they would be for enemy tanks.

 

How I made it work is I ran my 5 Rhinos in a phalanx (V formation) with the 2 squads of Arco in the center.

Rhinos block LOS to any targets to any direction but the rear.

 

Once you get to the destination, just open up the formation and funnel the Arcos into the unit of your choice.

[Hellbreaker]

Yes... they are running after your Rhinos, although they are not forced to do so, as they would be for enemy tanks.

Ah, well you got me a bit confused. I thought you had them charge your own rhinos.

That's a good idea actually. I'll have to use it sometime, if I happen to have my immolator nearby. ;)

 

Cheers!