Making Pinning effective again

[Cthell]

I realise this might have been suggested before, but my search-fu couldn't find it

Since 6th ed appears to be nigh, and pinning is currently almost useless (given the prevelence of high Ld/fearless units), I'd like to propose an improvement to the mechanic in the hope of making pinning useful.

Pinning tests should have a Ld modifier equivilent to (number of unsaved pinning wounds suffered by the unit so far that turn)-1; this would stack with the -1 modifier for ordinance barrage weapons.

So a unit that takes 3 unsaved wounds from a unit with sniper rifles (say, SM scouts) would immediately take a pinning test at -2Ld, while a unit that takes 5 unsaved wounds from an indirect-firing whirlwind would immediately take a pinning test at -5Ld.

I'm tempted to say that the modifier remains for further shooting at the unit for that shooting phase - so a unit that takes 2 sniper wounds would take a pinning test at -1Ld, and then takes a further 2 wounds from a mortar barrage, would take another pinning test at -3Ld

What do people think?

[R Man]

I agree, 40k should have more pining. Personally I would do two things. First, I'd make more pinning weapons, or a way for small arms/machine guns to become pinning. Not exactly sure how, but I have two more ideas. First if the shooters come from two different sides of the target unit we get a 'crossfire', and the target unit must take a pinning test. Or if a unit is hit by more shots than it has wounds it must take a pinning test.

The second part is that if a unit is subjected to multiple pinning tests in the same shooting phase it inflicts a penalty on leadership. The Second test is taken at -1, and the third test is taken on -2, the fourth on -3 etc.

[Son of Sanguinius]

I agree with the general sentiment, but it is very easy to go too far.

I think a unit should only take a single pinning test per shooting phase, but with cumulative penalties if they apply.

I also think Pinning needs to be applicable in ways other than Morale. A unit can be pinned by concern about incoming fire, but certain weapons, like ordnance weapons, actually fling you around or toss you to the ground even if they don't necessarily slay you on impact. The fact that fearless units seem to always be equipped with gravity boots seems ridiculous to me.

[lanrak]

I agree that 40k could do with a bit more depth in its morale modelling.

But I would prefer to use a system that integrates supression and nuetralisation in the basic damage resolution process.(Eg a new game mechanic that allows ALL units to resolve damage in a similar way, rather than multiple resolution for the same process.)
As this would allow the tactical flow of modern warfare in the 40k game.

But thats more in the realms of the re-write that solves ALL of 40k game play problems.(New rule set.)

Rather than patching up the already over complicated rules.(EG too many pages of rules for the straight forward game play.)

[Charistoph]

It would be nice to have the chance to pin Fearles, but how, is the question...