New to BFG: I like Tau

[andrewchristlieb]

Well ships dont really compare well to infantry but if i was going to categorize escorts i would put them somewhere between fast attack and heavy weapon squads. Theyre durability (or lack of) tends to put them in specialist roles. Theyre very good at mop up and anti escort work, ordnance ships can perform interdiction work, direct fire ships can provide a cheap fire power boot to a friendly cruiser (a good example being a trio of swords accompanying a gothic in place of a tyrant/ dominator). Theres lots of options for them but they work best when they can overwhelm an enemy which is why theyre so good at raids where the number of cruisers are typically low allowing many escorts to gang up on the slower capitols.

[Kakapo42]

The other thing to remember about escorts is their numbers and speed/agility. A large squadron of escorts can rival battleships in raw firepower, and can take a few losses before loosing combat effectiveness. Escorts can, in some cases, use their speed to get behind enemy ships, where they cannot retaliate.

The other main use for escorts is anti-ordinance duty. A squadron of torpedo (or equivilant) armed escorts can use their smaller-strength salvoes to intercept enemy torpedo volleys and 'snipe' out fighters.

[cibili]

Btw, whats IN?

[horizon]

Btw, whats IN?

Imperial Navy.

[cibili]

Hi again. Still i cant decide which one should i go after. FW fleet looks awasome, but as i see GW fleet has more AC and torpds. Can we say that GW is stronger than FW? Or can u please compare the strengths and weaknesses of them?

[andrewchristlieb]

Go with the forgeworld fleet if you perfer the looks both fleets seem well balanced.

To me the cpf seems to to favor a more in your face agressive approach with the preference given to a higher weapon load over durability.
The gw fleet is a more defensive fleet that relies on their ordnance and escorts to pick up for their lack of combat vessels while their elite ships work mostly as defensive blocks for the non combat ships.

[cibili]

According to this list, I can deploy 7 wardens. Should I buy 2 packs? Will I need 7 of them?

[horizon]

Hi, If you field a Custodian and 2 Emissaries with the grav hook variant you can indeed deploy 7 Wardens. And yes, you need two packs for that. They come per four.

Andrew is right, pick the one you prefer on looks.

The GW list will only be stronger if you negate half of the options available to them. And you aren't a powergamer, right?

[cibili]

No, but my opponents are :-(
I began to Bfg, because they told me BFG is a balanced game contrary to other Gw games.
Now I learn that AC rUlez them all!

[andrewchristlieb]

Gw tau have better attack craft for points but remember explorers are about as tough as wet toilet tissue. I would still advise going for the FW tau, you already have a preference for them because of their apperance and they can still bring an impressive amount of attack craft on ships that dont suck (good durability and weapons).

[horizon]

Correct, FW Tau is still ordnance strong. Plus AC isn't the ruler of them all. With good placement (massed turrets) and anti-AC tactics you can thwart many AC. Shut down the big carriers. Having them braced means less ac next turn.

[fracas]

Tau are vulnerable to boarding.

I play SG tau and always keep this in mind. The ordnance options do not overpower tau.

[cibili]

SG Tau? Whats that?

[fracas]

Specialist Games as opposed to Forgeworld
I consider both as GW

[horizon]

Nah, FW is FW, SG is SG. GW negates both, SG even more.

SG Tau = The Tau fleet in the Armada book (unite the stars pdf).

[cibili]

Ok, I am beginning to freak out.
There is a blue book. (GW)
There's a FAQ 2010. (?)
There is an Armada. (?)
There is a compendium. (?)

Are they both official?

[fracas]

Tau was not in the blue book
They first appeared in Armada associated with metal models from SG? As Armada is. GW publication this is an official list. It remains available as a download at the GW SG website.
Then Forgeworld released resin models and rules in IA4(?) which was not deemed official.
Then the 2010 FAQ and fleet updates gave the Forgeworld "official" rules as well as updated the SG rules but technically this isn't as official as the Armada rules and from GW perspective there are no official rules for the forge world models. The 2010 FAQ and fleet updates are not available from GW.
However the community accepted both the foreword rules as well as 2010 FAQ as standards.

[horizon]

Yup, like Fracas says.

[cibili]

Do you think I need 7 wardens? Are they effective?
How many Emmisary ships should I squadron? 2, 3, 4?
How many Protector ships should I squadron? 2, 3, 4?

I will shop today, I would be very happy if you answer ASAP.
Thx in advance.

[cibili]

If there will be no answer, I will order the list below according to reccomendations posted before. Oh my god, £85 before shipment!

2 Warden Packs (8) £13
1 Emissary Pack (2) £12.5
1 Barracuda Pack (10) £6.50
1 Custodian £17
1 Protector Pack (2) £16.40
1 Manta Pack (8) £6.50
2 Catellan Pack (8) £13