Goatboy’s Warhammer 40K Hot Mess – Striking Scorpions Need Some Sting
Honestly, when was the last time you were scared of a Striking Scorpion unit? We’ve got work to do before those new minis arrive!
I know the Aeldari “book” is pretty busted. I know that there are a ton of amazing options in there. But when was the last time you were scared of seeing a Striking Scorpion unit on the table? Why isn’t this unit any better? And why do all the new models look like they are just chilling waiting for their order at the taco place we all like to go too?
Striking Scorpions are on of those units I don’t hate from the Aeldari book. I think their design, unit philosophy, and overall aesthetic is just an interesting pile of stuff. They are one of the cooler models in the Aeldari book with a different feel. Striking Scorpions don’t feel elegant like Banshees. They don’t feel cold like Dark Reapers. They feel like something that could be having fun as they move thru the shadows, get close, and chainsaw you in a bad way.
So how do we make Striking Scorpions better? Let’s dive into this pool and see if we can figure out a way to make them awesome – especially with a new set of models coming out on bigger bases that frustrates all the players with their old as heck models they want to play with.
Make Striking Scorpions Deadly
These guys are supposed to be stealthy brutal hunters so why not make them like that. Have each unit pick an enemy and they get a plethora of rules versus that unit. Things like Sustained Hits for everyone, twin linked, and even anti options wounds on the Exarch. Let them be a scary unit when they mark an enemy and sneak around to get close. If they kill that unit in the game they can get those rules activated for the rest of the game – thus incentivizing getting there and wrecking that unit like a boss. It makes the opponent scared and have to rethink how exposed they make their options as well and could generate some interesting interactions.
Update Striking Scorpion Deployment
These guys should infiltrate and have scout at the same time. Make it a Scout 7” like their movement so they can get somewhere. Heck let one of the weird enhancements the exarchs can take be something that allows them to redeploy too. Make it something like you can purchase the “scout” ability, redeploy ability, and something else if you want to have 3 units of these jerks on the tabletop. I always like the Exarch way to build unique units and having them activate different things would be a cool method for these guys to be cool.
My neck is SO sore…
Amp Up their Phoenix Lord with new Model too!
Man I hope we see a new model for Karandras too. I am tired of seeing that old model with the giant pinata head that just doesn’t fit anymore. It doesn’t feel right for a supposed monstrous bad ass to look so dinky and unbalanced. At the same time make his rules really awesome on those units he joins. Let them have some kind of pop up out of terrain like the old Genestealers had. Make the opponent afraid to be near that cool looking wall when these guys and their super leader can bust out of the shadows and wreck your face. Make it where they can show up closer too with Karandras, to really amp up their murderous abilities.
It always feels weird when some of these ancient super units just don’t feel that good in a game wrecked by insane shooting. Giving them some cool rules to help get them there, get punching, and doing good work would help out a ton of armies in this game. It feels like assault just feels off and Striking Scorpions are an example of old-fashioned 40K that just needs to be better.
Heck maybe they will just be good in Kill Team right? Anyway – even though I dislike the Aeldari I do have a nice soft spot in my black heart for the Striking Scorpions.
The Rapheal’s of the Aeldari army who look cool, talk smack, and kick Shredder’s butt with Sai’s.
