From a thematic sense, to a game mechanics and power perspective, the Speculo seems like it should be present in Onyx Contact Force. Thematically, it makes perfect sense (maybe more sense than Rodoks) that Speculo work with the shock troops to disrupt and dismantle enemy CoC and Lines of Communication. That's standard special operations procedures. Game play, the inclusion of an expensive smoke tosser is already present - Saito in Druze and Ikari. In both of those armies, you can even bring a crazy link to increase the burst of the Brawler. In Onyx, you just get the Maakrep Tracker running solo with an expensive smoke tossing Speculo up field. Same Same...savvy?
I would love that, In the meta here Im constantly fighting smoke msv combo. I have gained new respect for the Maakrep but far to often she gets gunned down due to weight of dice.
In all honesty I think the unit that makes the most sense for inclusion in Onyx that isn't there is the Rasyat; Onyx is all about making first contact with alien species (and then conquering or exterminating them). The Rasyat is the Morat "take me to your leader" guy. The unspoken subtext is "...because I think he's a little bitch and I bet I could whoop his ass!" Of course, the meta reason for Onyx is a sectorial to put all the new CA stuff into. Maybe they'll give the Rasyat another look when the resculpt hits; I wouldn't mind eclipse smoke in Onyx.
The Speculo might be a little too much in Onyx, because of the cheap TAGs and Unidron link. I wouldn't mind some Shrouded too, however... As for the Rasyat, I agree to an extent. Having both "Dark Tohaa" units on Onyx ensures that they see some table, after all, and there is already the Rodok core team to make a mess of the enemy with monkeys, adding the Rasyat would mean almost zero Black Artichokes on Onyx, after all (since the Maakrep is too fragile, and has no smoke combo).
Additionally, add some EI aspects too, it makes sense for them to be at forefront during these contacts. ...and you can basically throw vanilla into the dumpster at that point... *insert IJW's favorite smiley from the old forum, the one that isn't on this one anymore*
if somebody around is playing shasvasti, speculo is the main reason for it. make shasvasti great again and lets keep speculo for them.
Getting Yaogats kills the already not very justifiable Maakrep. The Rasyats would be a second AD trooper to compete against the Maakrep, and would have forced the model's update much sooner, and it would not fill the same niche as the Suryats. I wouldn't mind changing the Suryats for Sogaraths, however, aside from there being two models with one of them in the starter box. Making them a Duo with an Umbra would have open interesting options, though.
I Well personally I think maakreps should of been more fleshed out and been a Haris or Core with cheaper options. I haven't figured out what the niche of Suryats is supposed to be as xeodron/overdron are basically the same but better.
Suryats can't be isolated, ignore loss of Lt, are S2 and are cheaper than both Xeodrons and Overdrons. As for Morats joining an interspecies fireteam, I don't think they would be willing. Edit And I just remembered Rodoks can have an Umbra in a fireteam. I'll chalk that up to them being a young, stupid regiment.
I'm happy with Suryats in Onyx even if I don't use them often. It's their only HI after all. I just wish there were some fun haris options.
Saying "no" to an Umbra might be a fast way to prove Umbras are THE baddest badassers in the CA... Morat respect Strength, Umbra are that... and vicious sadists. That proof, thus, would require the... retirement... of a Morat casualty.
Rodoks let Nexus into their fireteam too. They know they're not with the MAF, cooperation with other races is part of the game. I don't think Rasyats and Fraactas bring in the same sectorial would cause problems. Yaogats, yes, because then you'd never see a Maakrep (work on that shit CB). Suryats are probably the most under-utilized tool in the Onyx arsenal. They should have given them a Haris with an Umbra profile.
TBH i think if anyone was gonna be added to Onyx (besides new units that might show up) it'd be Zerats or Calibans. Infiltration and sabotage specialists would absolutely be on theme.
In terms of gameplay though, Onyx is a sledgehammer. I think that being low on subterfuge (although they still have some good TO guys) is a part of design.
