Sixth edition introduces many new concepts and mechanics to the game. One of these is the addition of purchasable fortifications to one's army.
Of all the currently available fortifications the one that costs the least amount of points is the Aegis Defence Line.
Defence lines are a type of Battlefield Debris which in addition to following the rules of Barricades And Walls which give models behind them a 4+ cover save. In addition units that go to ground behind a Defence Line gain a +2 to it's cover save.
All armies can take a single Fortification for each primary detachment in their force. An Aegis Defence Line consists of up to four long and four short defence line sections. When deployed these sections must all be placed in contact with at lease one other section.
In addition, an Aegis Defence Line may be further upgraded by purchasing a Comms Relay, or a gun emplacement with either an Icarus Lascannon or a Quad-gun.
A Comms Relay allows any player with an unengaged model within 2" of a Comms Relay can re-roll Reserves Rolls and models in cover behind one gain a 5+ cover save. Note that there is no restriction on what reserve rolls can be re-rolled so canny generals may use this to attempt to delay or usher in their reserve forces.
Both the Icarus Lascannon and the Quad-gun fill the same role. They both have the Interceptor special rule which allows the weapon to fire at any one unit that arrived from Reserve. This an exception to the normal shooting rules in that the owner can fire the weapon at the end of their opponent's shooting phase in lieu of shooting in their following turn. These weapons also have the Skyfire special rule which allows them to shoot at Flyers, Flying Monstrous Creatures, and Skimmers with their normal Ballistic Skill. These Gun Emplacements require a model in base contact with it to operate it and allow it to fire and models behind it gain a 4+ cover save.
Of all the currently available fortifications the one that costs the least amount of points is the Aegis Defence Line.
Defence lines are a type of Battlefield Debris which in addition to following the rules of Barricades And Walls which give models behind them a 4+ cover save. In addition units that go to ground behind a Defence Line gain a +2 to it's cover save.
All armies can take a single Fortification for each primary detachment in their force. An Aegis Defence Line consists of up to four long and four short defence line sections. When deployed these sections must all be placed in contact with at lease one other section.
In addition, an Aegis Defence Line may be further upgraded by purchasing a Comms Relay, or a gun emplacement with either an Icarus Lascannon or a Quad-gun.
A Comms Relay allows any player with an unengaged model within 2" of a Comms Relay can re-roll Reserves Rolls and models in cover behind one gain a 5+ cover save. Note that there is no restriction on what reserve rolls can be re-rolled so canny generals may use this to attempt to delay or usher in their reserve forces.
Both the Icarus Lascannon and the Quad-gun fill the same role. They both have the Interceptor special rule which allows the weapon to fire at any one unit that arrived from Reserve. This an exception to the normal shooting rules in that the owner can fire the weapon at the end of their opponent's shooting phase in lieu of shooting in their following turn. These weapons also have the Skyfire special rule which allows them to shoot at Flyers, Flying Monstrous Creatures, and Skimmers with their normal Ballistic Skill. These Gun Emplacements require a model in base contact with it to operate it and allow it to fire and models behind it gain a 4+ cover save.
The Aegis Defence Line provides over 28" of 4+ cover that you can deploy in your half of the table. It is sizable enough that even vehicles can benefit from a 4+ cover save now that at least 25% of a vehicle needs to be covered to count as obscured. Imperial Guard can further improve this with the addition of Camo Netting which grants stealth an improves the cover save by +1, giving such vehicles a 3+ cover save if they remain stationary.
With such a large area potentially covered by the Aegis Defence Line it is important to consider the pitfalls which can result. Be sure to leave enough room for units like vehicles to be able to advance and maneuver around your fortifications. Also models within 2" of the fortification can be assaulted simply by the enemy getting into contact with your Defence Line. Also remember that cover works for both armies and should your force be driven away that the enemy can just as easily use your fortifications against you.
With such a large area potentially covered by the Aegis Defence Line it is important to consider the pitfalls which can result. Be sure to leave enough room for units like vehicles to be able to advance and maneuver around your fortifications. Also models within 2" of the fortification can be assaulted simply by the enemy getting into contact with your Defence Line. Also remember that cover works for both armies and should your force be driven away that the enemy can just as easily use your fortifications against you.
Beware of weapons that have the Ignores Cover special rule. Your fortifications won't help you in these cases so such units should become alpha targets if you rely heavily on cover.
The Aegis Defence Line kit comes with the 8-piece barricades as well as a Quad-gun. Note that this can be considered just the starting point for aspiring modelers. Such fortifications can also be converted or scratch built to be more in theme for your army. Those looking to go this route should try to ensure that the dimensions of their fortifications are similar to the original model kit. The goal here should be seen as a way to theme a fortification for their army and not trying to model for advantage.
It should also be noted that the gun emplacements available as options for fortifications are the only way most armies can access weapons with Interceptor and more importantly Skyfire. Until new codices introduce options like Flakk missiles and other weapons with the Skyfire special rules expect to see such fortifications playing a role in army design.
Aegis Defence Lines - They've got you covered.
The Aegis Defence Line kit comes with the 8-piece barricades as well as a Quad-gun. Note that this can be considered just the starting point for aspiring modelers. Such fortifications can also be converted or scratch built to be more in theme for your army. Those looking to go this route should try to ensure that the dimensions of their fortifications are similar to the original model kit. The goal here should be seen as a way to theme a fortification for their army and not trying to model for advantage.
It should also be noted that the gun emplacements available as options for fortifications are the only way most armies can access weapons with Interceptor and more importantly Skyfire. Until new codices introduce options like Flakk missiles and other weapons with the Skyfire special rules expect to see such fortifications playing a role in army design.
Aegis Defence Lines - They've got you covered.
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