Yet More M42B Shenanigans

[Daryk]

I just noticed the Lancelot Mk V Sniper Rifle (from Shrapnel #1) perfectly complements the (still not quite right) Federated-Barret M42B "rifle".

Because of the M42B's Heavy Burst feature (which applies based on the number in a squad, not if they determine the range of that squad), you can get both the Heavy Burst bonuses AND the Lancelot's 4/8/12 range.  These combine to give a -3 to hit at zero-hex range (along with the +1d6 damage vs. Conventional Infantry).  Damage works out to:

1.02 * 5 M42Bs + 0.28 * 2 Lancelots = 5.66

This rounds to 6 points of damage per 7 trooper squad and 23 per 28 trooper platoon (or 17 per 21 trooper Jump platoon).

Throw in the old Federated Commonwealth armor kit for a non-encumbering Divisor 2, and you can understand why the Taurians were worried, their Sunskiller Sniper Rifle's range advantage notwithstanding.  So, say the Taurians manage to steal a shipment:

1.02 * 8 M42Bs + 0.35 * 2 Sunskillers = 8.86

That rounds to 9 per 10 trooper (Taurian) squad, and 27 per 30 trooper (Taurian) platoon (Foot OR Jump) all at the Sunskiller's 5/10/15 range (though they only get -2 to hit at 0 hex range).  The Taurians would also gain the advantage of ammunition commonality (4 AP/5 BD).

[Daryk]

Apparently TPTB have decided to nerf ALL under barrel grenade launchers instead of fixing the M42B itself.  The newest Tech Manual errata refers.

Let the games begin to obtain the Heavy Burst special without a Burst of 15 or APxBD of 20...  ::)

[DOC_Agren]

???  can u better explain the nerf?

[Daryk]

The nerf is that weapons that do more than 0.6 damage are now capped at 0.6 if they're used as primary weapons, but gain the Heavy Burst special in recompense.  There is no effect if they're used as secondary weapons (i.e., they do their full damage). I suppose you could use the same weapon in the primary and secondary roles, but that's probably an unintended loophole.

[DOC_Agren]

???  so is this better or worse?

[Daryk]

Worse in my book.  It gives five weapons that shouldn't qualify for it the Heavy Burst special.  The implication here is that semi-automatic under barrel grenade launchers somehow grant it, but only when they're attached to a rifle.