I took a glance, but couldn't find anything in the forums, so I'll ask a two-part question here concerning RTF. I know none of us actually know, but we think Saladin is supposed to be part of RTF, correct? If Saladin is in RTF, does anyone think he'll be able to link up with a fireteam? Bonus Question: Who should Saladin be able to link with?
Saladin V2 Mobility armour linked with Khawarij's? XD I actually think the Fasid like makes sense in a weird way. Whatever the case I hope he gets a duo or harris option that makes it seem like he has a security detail. Even if its not efficient enough to field at an ITS event, just makes fluffy sense to give him the option. Also, maybe others may disagree but I think it also makes thematic sense to have access to a couple of other elite Haqq units in Ramah but they have the restriction that they basically can only be included in a list if they're in a fireteam with Saladin himself as his escort. Like assassins or QK HI's.
If joan has mobility and sun tze has marksman, then would saladin get leadership variant? Or maybe defender armor, S5 Arm5 bts6 6SL1 maybe... link with fasids maybe....
As an Outsider who started with USARF and was about to go into Haqq (purchasing Haqq side of Red Veil) until DBS arrived and then somehow splurging into TJC, I do have some hopes for possible new units or mixed links. I would like to see some sort of Al Fasid Haris, could be useful with Naffutan even though it would be lacking a specialist option. I would like to see the Zhayedan expanded upon or atleast allow for mix linking with the Marksmanship profiles. A MML2 Sniper in a link would be unique as only Missile Rems have had that privilege. I would also really like a cheaper Midfield Specialist. Hakims and the Taureg are packing some serious WIP, but I would like to see a cheaper camo unit.
Speaking of Saladin, some time ago we've been discussing challenges with the upcoming RTF (keeping in mind that we don't have all the profiles yet) and one of the points was that RTF has fairly limited ability to protect an obvious Lt like this. Linkability and heavier profile could potentially be an answer, of course, but I struggle to imagine including even more expensive stuff in an RTF list, what's with it consisting of currently known units as they are.
I kinda see it like our other sectorials/vanilla depending on what we get. Ghulam and Naffatun are never poor choices. Though I do think you’re right in that we may have some difficulty making decisions when it comes to a viable lieutenant.
Can I ask how CB have gotten the idea that the Khawarij is "Red turbans"? Having middle eastern heritage from my fathers side, I know for a fact that Khawarij is a term used by muslims for extremists that became a byproduct of Islam, Taliban and ISIS would fall under these categories. Having a unit named 'Khawarij' in an army called Haqqislam makes it look like the are insurrectionists and pariahs in their own factions but apparently they are noble scholars and honorable soldiers?
Some Haqq unit names are throwbacks to ancient / medieval times, so my guess is that we are expected to look for parallels with old history rather than modern. Although even then it brings up some questions since original "khawarijis" (apparently it's not a term they used for themselves, but it was given to them externally) were, in fact, insurrectionists, who apparently pushed for some ideas that were seen as radical, like not considering self-proclaimed Muslims to be Muslims, or that a ruler must only be chosen through martial means. *shrug* Tbh while CB make a lot of cultural and historical references, it's not like they are experts in all the cultures that exist or existed, so there's that.
While they may not be insurrectionists as we know them today, the Infinity Khawarij push forward the New Islam, which was initially a very radical shift in thought. (I think they were one of the first core groups of revolutionaries in this movement, but don’t quote me on that). They still support the New Islam, primarily through Violence and Debate. I think there are enough parallels here to work with. Though, as you have suggested, it can seem a bit of a stretch sometimes. Edit: Yeah, just read the blog post. He does a much more thorough job than I.
This blog post does a pretty good job of explaining the inspiration/history behind the Khawarij. http://swordofhaqqislam.blogspot.com/2017/02/under-red-turban-history-and.html
Quote Bostria: "Tarik can link with Khawarij and he will be allowed to do everything in RTF." Make out of that what you will. Means Wilcard probably. Edit: Wildcard confirmed.
Just be prepared for the possibility that Saladin, O-12 Liason Officer, might, in fact, not be part of Ramah. Gooooooood, Anakin, Gooooooood.
Yeah, we’ve actually discussed this in the past as a likely place for Saladin to turn up. It was either forgotten or discounted. Depending on what else goes into O-12, I’d probably prefer Saladin there anyways.
Seems to be quite a bit of speculation over in the spanish subforums ... Does anyone think Janissaries will get moved over to Ramah? It would kind of make sense, especially if QK underwent a bit of a rework before hitting the dust. If not, does anyone think we'll get a different akbar doctor in the new sectorial? OR! Could QK just get a major rework, ending up looking like one of the 5 new sectorials this year?
The way i see it, we have 3 options: 1. QK gets scrapped and i get pissed as to why haqq cant have 3 supported sectorals like almost everyone else. 2. They give us the MO treatment and update some units and redo link options. Or 3. Most likely they do minor link option changes and most updates come as merc units get updated.
I think QK going the way of SAA is buy far the most likely, remain ITS viable, get a slight update, and possibly see the models they like/want to keep in production get lent to other sectorials, which could lead to Janns in Ramah I guess.