Hi guys, I rarely post on tactics and rules type issues. Mainly because I know for a fact that I play less than probably anyone on this forum. I have been scratching my head though since the last FAQ came out and I thought I'd turn to you guys for answers.
Conscripts have always been seen as a big problem. With their ability to effectively bubble wrap more important units to protect them, while still pumping out useful firepower for a very cheap price. Throw in a Commissar and laugh as the enemy has to work very hard to remove them from the game. Literally having to kill every single one.
But has the FAQ changed that forever?
Per the latest FAQ from 22 Oct 17:
New FAQs and Errata for the Astra Militarum and beyond - Warhammer CommunityPages 90 and 101 – Commissar Yarrick, Lord Commissar and Commissar, Summary Execution
Change to read:
‘Summary Execution: The 1st time an Astra Militarum unit fails a Morale test during the Morale phase whilst it is within 6" of any friendly Commissars, one model of your choice in that unit is slain and the Morale test is re-rolled (do not include this slain model when re-rolling the Morale test).’
So, it's no longer just "don't worry about morale, I'll only lose 1 guy anyway", it now means that you lose a guy and then have to retake the test.
It's not exactly difficult to remove a fairly large handful of conscripts in 1 turn due to their average at best toughness and poor save. They can get into plenty of situations where it is impossible to pass a morale test even before the dice is thrown. You then lose 1 more conscript before then rolling again and having to pick up what is probably another large handful of models.
As such, it's now way easier to melt through several conscript units in a turn, thereby removing all the bubble wrap. Sure, the heavy hitters will have to wait for the 2nd turn, but at least you aren't talking about turn after turn of attrition.
Am I misreading this rule change? Am I missing a vital point about conscripts that still make them worthwhile? I'd love to know what you all think, because the perceived power of the unit seems misplaced to me.
Thanks.