Infernal Master Tanking Wounds: Can He Save Rubrics?
Let's dive into a crucial question for all you Thousand Sons players out there: Can your trusty Infernal Master soak up a wound meant for his Rubric Marines? Understanding the intricacies of wound allocation and character abilities is key to maximizing your army's resilience on the battlefield. So, let’s break down the rules and see how you can keep your precious Rubrics alive with a little help from their Infernal Master. We'll explore the specific scenarios, look at the relevant rules, and offer some tactical insights to help you make the most of this interaction. Knowing when and how to use this ability can be a game-changer, turning the tide of battle in your favor. Stick around, and we'll make sure you're well-versed in the art of wound allocation and character protection within the Thousand Sons army. Let's get started, guys!
Understanding Wound Allocation
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the Infernal Master's tanking abilities, let's establish a solid understanding of how wound allocation works in Warhammer 40,000. This is crucial because it dictates how you can strategically protect your valuable units. When your opponent shoots at a unit, they don't get to pick and choose which models take the hits – there's a specific order you need to follow. First, all the hits must be assigned to models that are visible to the firing unit. This means that if a model is obscured or behind cover, it can't be targeted unless it's the closest visible model. Next, wounds are allocated to models within the unit. This is where it gets interesting. If a unit contains both character models and non-character models (like our Infernal Master and Rubric Marines), the rules stipulate that the non-character models must be targeted first. Only after all the non-character models have been destroyed can the attacking player start assigning wounds to the character models. This is a key mechanic that protects characters like the Infernal Master from being targeted directly by enemy fire, provided there are still Rubric Marines around to take the hits. Understanding this basic framework is essential for employing advanced tactics like the one we're about to discuss. So, keep this in mind as we delve deeper into how the Infernal Master can potentially intercept wounds meant for his Rubric buddies. Alright, let's move on and see how this applies in practice!
The Infernal Master's Protection
Now, let’s talk about how the Infernal Master can potentially intercept wounds aimed at his Rubric Marines. The core question here revolves around whether a special ability or rule allows him to step in and take a wound that would otherwise be allocated to a Rubric Marine. The key here lies in any abilities the Infernal Master possesses that allow him to redirect or absorb damage. Some characters have abilities that specifically allow them to take wounds on behalf of other models within their unit. These abilities are often worded in a way that allows the character to intercept a wound roll, effectively tanking the damage for a more vulnerable unit. If the Infernal Master has such an ability, it would typically be triggered after the wound roll is made but before the damage is applied. The ability might specify that he can choose to take the wound instead of the original target, thus protecting the Rubric Marine. However, it's crucial to remember that these abilities are not universal. Not every character can simply absorb wounds for their comrades. The ability must be explicitly stated in the character's rules. So, the first step is to carefully review the Infernal Master's datasheet and any accompanying rules to see if such an ability exists. If it does, make sure you understand the specific conditions under which it can be used. Does it have a limited range? Does it require a specific command point cost? Are there any restrictions on the types of weapons or attacks it can intercept? Knowing the answers to these questions will allow you to effectively utilize the Infernal Master's protective abilities and keep your Rubric Marines in the fight longer. Keep reading as we dive into specific scenarios and examples to illustrate how this works in practice!
Specific Rules and Abilities
Alright, let's get down to the specifics and examine the actual rules and abilities that might allow the Infernal Master to tank a wound for his Rubric Marines. This is where we need to put on our detective hats and carefully comb through the Infernal Master's datasheet and any relevant stratagems or psychic powers. The most likely place to find such an ability is within his list of psychic powers or special rules. Look for keywords or phrases that indicate damage redirection, wound absorption, or the ability to intercept attacks. For example, some characters might have an ability that allows them to roll a dice after a friendly unit within a certain range suffers a wound. On a successful roll, the wound is transferred to the character instead. Other abilities might allow the character to reduce the damage suffered by a friendly unit, effectively mitigating the impact of the attack. It's also worth checking for any stratagems that might provide a similar effect. Stratagems are tactical abilities that you can use during the game by spending command points, and some of them might allow you to protect your units in specific situations. Keep an eye out for stratagems that allow you to redirect damage, reduce the impact of attacks, or provide temporary invulnerability to your Rubric Marines. Remember, the key is to read the rules very carefully and understand the specific conditions under which each ability can be used. Pay attention to range restrictions, command point costs, and any other limitations that might apply. By thoroughly understanding the rules, you can ensure that you're using the Infernal Master's abilities to their full potential and maximizing the survivability of your Rubric Marines. Stay tuned as we continue to explore practical scenarios and examples to help you master this tactic on the tabletop! Keep your eyes peeled for those crucial keywords and phrases, guys!
Tactical Considerations
Now that we've covered the rules and abilities, let's delve into the tactical considerations of using your Infernal Master to tank wounds for his Rubric Marines. This isn't just about knowing if you can do it, but also when and why you should. One of the primary considerations is positioning. To use any protective abilities, the Infernal Master typically needs to be within a certain range of the Rubric Marines. This means you need to carefully position him so that he's close enough to provide support but not so close that he becomes an easy target himself. Think about using terrain to your advantage. Place the Infernal Master behind cover, but still within range to intercept wounds. This will make it harder for your opponent to target him directly while still allowing him to protect his Rubric buddies. Another factor to consider is the type of threat your Rubric Marines are facing. If they're being targeted by high-damage weapons, it might be worth using the Infernal Master's ability to absorb a wound or two. However, if they're being targeted by a large number of low-strength attacks, it might be better to let the Rubric Marines take the hits, as they're more numerous and can potentially weather the storm better. It's also important to think about the overall strategic situation. Is it more important to keep the Infernal Master alive, or are the Rubric Marines more critical to your plan? If the Infernal Master is essential for casting key psychic powers or providing buffs to other units, you might want to avoid putting him in harm's way. On the other hand, if the Rubric Marines are holding a crucial objective or providing a key screen for your other units, it might be worth sacrificing the Infernal Master to keep them alive. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use the Infernal Master to tank wounds for his Rubric Marines depends on a variety of factors. By carefully considering these factors, you can make informed decisions that will maximize your army's effectiveness and help you achieve victory on the battlefield. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be making those tactical decisions like a pro in no time!
Practical Scenarios and Examples
To truly master the art of using your Infernal Master to protect his Rubric Marines, let's walk through some practical scenarios and examples. These will help you visualize how the rules and tactical considerations we've discussed come into play on the tabletop.
- Scenario 1: High-Damage Threat: Imagine your Rubric Marines are holding a vital objective and are targeted by a powerful enemy unit equipped with plasma cannons. These weapons can inflict significant damage with each successful hit. In this scenario, using the Infernal Master's wound redirection ability (if he has one) is a great idea. By intercepting a wound, you can potentially save a Rubric Marine from being instantly destroyed, allowing them to continue holding the objective and contributing to your overall strategy.
- Scenario 2: Horde of Weak Attacks: Now, consider a different situation where your Rubric Marines are being targeted by a horde of weaker enemies, such as Tyranid Gaunts or Ork Boyz. These units might not be able to inflict a lot of damage with each attack, but they can generate a large number of hits. In this case, it might not be worth using the Infernal Master's ability to absorb wounds. The Rubric Marines are likely to be more resilient against these weaker attacks, and you might want to save the Infernal Master for more dangerous threats.
- Scenario 3: Strategic Importance: Let's say your Infernal Master is crucial for casting a key psychic power that will significantly buff your other units. In this scenario, you might be hesitant to put him in harm's way, even if it means sacrificing a Rubric Marine. The long-term benefits of keeping the Infernal Master alive might outweigh the short-term cost of losing a single Rubric. On the other hand, if those Rubric Marines are about to unleash devastating firepower on a key enemy target, then it might be worth sacrificing the Infernal Master to keep them alive.
These are just a few examples, and the specific situation will always dictate the best course of action. The key is to carefully assess the threats, weigh the risks and rewards, and make informed decisions that will maximize your army's effectiveness. Practice these scenarios in your games, and you'll quickly develop a feel for when and how to use your Infernal Master to protect his Rubric Marines. Keep those dice rolling and those strategies flowing, guys!
Conclusion
So, can the Infernal Master tank one wound roll even if it was targeted at his Rubric Marines? The answer, as we've seen, depends on the specific rules and abilities of the Infernal Master, as well as the tactical situation on the battlefield. By carefully reviewing his datasheet, understanding the rules of wound allocation, and considering the strategic implications, you can make informed decisions that will maximize the survivability of your Rubric Marines and enhance your overall game plan. Remember to always read the rules carefully, consider the specific threats you're facing, and weigh the risks and rewards of each decision. With practice and experience, you'll become a master of using your Infernal Master to protect his Rubric Marines, turning the tide of battle in your favor. So, go forth, Thousand Sons players, and unleash the power of your Infernal Masters and Rubric Marines upon the tabletop! And, as always, have fun experimenting with different tactics and strategies to find what works best for you. Happy gaming, and may the favor of Tzeentch be with you! This concludes our discussion, I hope it helps! Have fun! Hahaha! Cheers!