So one more now that we are making new topics. In ITS 10 there are multiple scenarios where you have to nominate a DataTracker and more often that not that DataTracker gets extra points by either killing something, being in an awkward place or surviving. I'm interested to hear what models you have used as you DataTrackers successfully and why do you think that models was a good choice. A CSU with hopefully something useful from MetaChemistry? A humble Fusilier with his link buddies? A mighty Swiss Guard but then you'd lose Hidden Deployment, is it worthy? Something completely different? Also when considering DataTracker. If, say, an Auxilia is determined DataTracker and he has to kill something and that something happens to eat shots from both Auxilias Combirifle and Auxbots Heavy Flamer? Would a kill by that Auxbot count for extra killypoints? If not in witch order you should make the rolls for that duo? And then there is Xenotech. If I have understood correctly you only ever want to cart him more than 4" out of your deployment zone and then babysit him there as long as it takes from him to hit that POW 11 (well 14) to install the scanner. Other that that it's there only to break rules in niche cases (I'm looking at you smoke + MSV2 + SS2 -topic). So where do you plan to place him? Again in tow of a Swiss Guard would be nice, but that you can't Hidden Deploy or can't be marker (AFAIK), so that's really not good. Just give him to like your Machinist and have him babysit Xenotech? Something completely different? All feedback is appreciated!
I am surprised you didn't mention aquila anywhere. He makes great datatracker and protector of xenotech. Other options for datatracker: deva thanks to NWI. I think I am one of the biggest locust haters, but I think he may also be nice as datatracker, just make sure you have hidden him well enough. For xenotech it can be anything that moves forward.
The Civie is great for the aquilla as he can stop templates if your opponent forgets meaning you always get cover.
I like the Aquila a lot more now, for Xenotech and Data Tracker. Sometimes it helps to not be under a Camo Tokens.
Also helps CB just dropped 2 Sectorials with a truckload of Mimetism, Camo and ODD. Disposing of several Spetznaz is something a Swiss struggles with. People also often assume you have a Swiss somewhere anyway so a Reserve drop Aquila can be quite a surprise. The same is true for the Deva Spitfire with the added advantage of being unhackable as well. Certainly still is a question of the matchup, in a 2 list format NCA's MSV choices are definitely more attractive since ITS10.
I’ve always liked running the Aquilla and Swiss when possible to get the best of both worlds. When the Swiss pops the Aquilla gets to slip under the radar a little as the Swiss is more intimidating having arrived from nowhere. It creates a fun hammer and anvil style play where the Aquilla rips out anything that could threaten the Swiss and vice versa.
The roles of Datatrackers definitely vary a lot from mission to mission. When I'm trying to decide between Shock Army or NeoTerra, I often go with Shock Army because the Tikbalang is a fantastic aggressive datatracker. It's easy to have it dominate a zone or console, it can use Climbing+ to kill even the most hidden enemy target, and it really benefits from some of the new mission-specific bonuses or abilities available to Datatrackers.
Running Aquila HMG is indeed intriguing and something I'd consider for the second list in two list pairing. You can go for him if you really need sturdy Datatracker or if you run head first into swarms of camo tokens or ODD. However I'm finding it quite difficult to fit both Aquila and Swiss in the same army. How are you pulling it through? Also a humble CSU might do pretty well if he/she happens to roll something like NWI or extra movement for those missions where you Datatracker needs to go kill something. What do you think? Running Xenotech with someone who likes to hang close to your Fusi-link seems good. No sudden missiles to hit multiples of them nor any Chainrifle shenanigans. It feels dirty and cheating but it's in the rules now so I guess it's fine. Also I'd like to have your take on this still: "Also when considering DataTracker. If, say, an Auxilia is determined DataTracker and he has to kill something and that something happens to eat shots from both Auxilias Combirifle and Auxbots Heavy Flamer? Would a kill by that Auxbot count for extra killypoints? If not in witch order you should make the rolls for that duo?"
This is something I just threw together. I haven’t tuned it or adjusted the combat groups but it should service well and cover most bases for classifieds. NCA has access to a lot of useful cheap units and with the new CSU profiles they got better at the low cost end of things. Aquilla Swiss──────────────────────────────────────────────────GROUP 1 10 AQUILA HMG / Pistol, Shock CCW. (2 | 62) SWISS GUARD HMG / Pistol, AP CCW. (2 | 68) PATHFINDER DRONBOT Combi Rifle, Sniffer / Electric Pulse. (0 | 16) FUGAZI DRONBOT Flash Pulse, Sniffer / Electric Pulse. (0 | 8) FUGAZI DRONBOT Flash Pulse, Sniffer / Electric Pulse. (0 | 8) FUGAZI DRONBOT Flash Pulse, Sniffer / Electric Pulse. (0 | 8) CSU (Specialist Operative) Rifle + Light Shotgun, Nanopulser / Pistol, Knife. (0 | 12) CSU (Specialist Operative) Rifle + Light Shotgun, Nanopulser / Pistol, Knife. (0 | 12) TRAUMA-DOC Combi Rifle / Pistol, Knife. (0 | 14) MACHINIST Combi Rifle, D-Charges / Pistol, Knife. (0 | 15) PALBOT Electric Pulse. (0 | 3)GROUP 2 6 FUSILIER Missile Launcher / Pistol, Knife. (1.5 | 15) FUSILIER Lieutenant Combi Rifle / Pistol, Knife. (0 | 10) FUSILIER Combi Rifle / Pistol, Knife. (0 | 10) FUSILIER Paramedic (MediKit) Combi Rifle / Pistol, Knife. (0 | 12) FUSILIER (Forward Observer, Deployable Repeater) Combi Rifle / Pistol, Knife. (0 | 12) AUXILIA (Forward Observer) Combi Rifle + AUXBOT_1 / Pistol, Knife. (0 | 15) AUXBOT_1 Heavy Flamethrower / Electric Pulse. (- | 4) 5.5 SWC | 300 PointsOpen in Infinity Army
Under the right circumstances you are 100% correct that a CSU can be an excellent "defensive" Data Tracker. But I'd also encourage you to consider the Aquila Guard Multi Rifle option. Thanks to the range dominance that NCA is infamous for your opponent either won't put out many AROs, or you will quickly kill them. This means that advancing into the shorter range with the Aquila is less of an issue, and the Multi is great in close where your Data Tracker often wants to be. It's worth considering.
@Judge Dredd That's very interesting list! Using both Aquila HMG and Swiss Hacker seems like something I'm looking to do with my other list in a coming tournament. That seems like a good pair when going to Frostbyte. Swiss can go push buttons while Aquila can keep himself alive while Datatracking in the center. Maybe throw a Bulleteer there to go hunt my opponents Datatracker. No need to use Pathfinder with that Exclusion Zone.
My biggest problem with Multirifle Aquila is that old and very ugly model. :D I have that kind of problem that I'm not willing to play with models that I consider ugly. Were it to receive new model though I'd agree with you. Multirifle is indeed good weapon in midfield where HMG can have quite awkward range bands.
This is a classic "you do you" moment right here. The Multi Aquila is a favorite of mine, I love that sculpt! But you know what is an easy conversion? - ORC Multi into Aquila.
That is indeed true and that ORC with Multirifle is very good looking model. One of the reasons I began to collect PanO at the first place in fact! But I'm really hoping here that one day we'll see new Multirifle Aquila that is as bad ass as that HMG dude.
