So how are the new raptors?

[Humeriousdiscord]

I just picked up 3 raptors for the character of the models. How are they playing in Mk2 an would it be wise to invest in 2 more to round out the unit?

[blitzmonkey]

They rock. And yes.

However, keep in mind, they are prone to change due to the Field Test. But as is, they are GREAT harassment choices. Adding 2 more can be a liability. But I think its worth it.

[SteakAndSpirits]

In a recent game I managed to have both my Carnivean and Typhon obliterated on a single turn of destruction. My Raek, the last sole source of fury, was itself not long for this world.

The saving grace in the match-up was the presence of the Raptors.

Capable of threatening up to 21" of boardspace, and able to put up to 17" between them and their would-be assailants, they are a mobile platform of destruction nearly as deadly at range as they are in the fray. After sinking an opposing Titan Gladiator after two turns of harassment they turned their sights onto the enemy caster.

After our casualties had swept away much of our armies, the opponent forfeited with no clear answer to these Raptors.

Admittedly, they lose a bit of polish against non-living targets, but even so the 12" threat of a charging weapon-master is credible even against all but the most heavy warjacks. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about them.

-s&s

[Garth]

Great against Hordes.

Less useful against warmacine, total waste of points against Cryx.
Against non living targets you pay 2 points per raptor for a pow 11 weaponmaster...

I like them very much, but normally I don't like models that work only against half of game (so only against Hordes).

[Neutralyze]

they are hit or miss for me. sometimes they are good and sometimes i wish i spent 10 pts on something else.

Garth,

they are only pow 10 wm :(

[Jice_]

Great against Hordes.

Less useful against warmacine, total waste of points against Cryx.
Against non living targets you pay 2 points per raptor for a pow 11 weaponmaster...

I like them very much, but normally I don't like models that work only against half of game (so only against Hordes).

Not to be a total fanboy, but they'd still have use, even against cryx if you somehow were stuck with them in the list. Just because they don't benefit from poison doesn't mean thier bows stop working, they still get a RAT 7 RNG 12 POW 10. That's enough to kill most anything undead in a Cryx army save Bane's on bad rolls. And their large bases can be used defencively to block LOS from arcnodes. Not the most efficient use of points, but certainly not useless just because they loose one dice on a damage roll.

[Defenstrator]

The Raptors are very solid. Their massive speed means they can pull of true flanking manuevers, and they hit hard at both range in melee. They are still fragile and don't like getting shot at, but are an excellent harassment unit that can actually get at the enemies support units.

[SteakAndSpirits]

I've actually changed my legal name to RaptorsFTWwhatwhatpewpew to show my support for their MK II incarnation, though that has been kind of awkward to explain on dates when I sign for the cheque.

-s&s

[RuneGrey]

Remember that all cavalry get the +2 attack / +2 damage now, so your Raptors have an initial charge attack that's close to the same power as a Bane Thrall going to town on a model. They're more limited by their base size and lack of reach, but you can still deliver a fairly potent 12+4d6 punch to a heavy jack with a whole squad, followed by a nice solid 12+2d6 from the mount.

They'll probably get chopped up the next round, but you're still looking at a pretty solid 18-30 damage on a Khador heavy on average depending on how many you hit it with from the Claymores alone. More than enough to wreck light jacks, and put the hurt on heavies that aren't build like giant bricks.

[Hjelmen0]

Cavalry does not get +2 on charge attack damage rolls, only on attack rolls on charge attacks.

[PitLord]

I was looking at the rules in Prime KII last night. Have they lost free strike immunity. Its no longer listed under the light cav rules but I wasn't sure it if might be somewhere else.

[blitzmonkey]

No more free strike immunity for them.

[dorsai2008]

they're cool with Saeryn. Like others have said - send them up the flanks to harass the opponent. I'm liking the poison arrow.