Pete Haines

Pete: The implacable advance of Necron Immortals and Warriors is an intimidating sight for any opponent. Alone though, it is possible for them to be outmanoeuvred or simply avoided by more mobile enemies. Also, while they stride forward they are vulnerable to an enemy's heavy weapons, in particular ordnance weapons such as battle cannons. Halting to return fire occasionally may silence some guns but is unlikely to finish the job.

Either situation can be resolved using Necron Destroyers and Heavy Destroyers. A look at the basic profile should give Necron players a warm feeling; with Toughness 5 and an Armour Save of 3+ they are virtually invulnerable to small arms, and can self repair even after a direct hit from a lascannon. Although they can handle themselves in an assault situation this is a waste because Destroyers carry lethal ranged weaponry.

The key to the Destroyer and Heavy Destroyer are their gauss cannons and heavy gauss cannons. The gauss effect means that any To Wound roll of 6 will score a wound regardless of the target's Toughness and any Armour Penetration roll of 6 will score a glancing hit against any vehicle.

The Destroyer is fitted with a gauss cannon, and used in squadrons they can scythe down infantry at an alarming speed. At Strength 6 it is powerful enough to be a major threat to light vehicles and because it is a gauss weapon, it is capable of inflicting damage on the heaviest tank. It is this ability to engage any target that makes the Destroyer so useful: as you advance, anything that the rest of your army can't deal with belongs to the Destroyer.

A Necron Destroyer squadron in search of prey.

The Heavy Destroyer carries the heavy gauss cannon. While the gauss cannon can inflict glancing hits on any target, the heavy gauss cannon is what you turn to when you have to annihilate the target. The Heavy Destroyer should always be looking for its targets, not simply engaging whatever is ahead. When you have the means to seek and destroy the most powerfully armoured vehicles, it's almost rude not to use it!

The guns are quite awesome but what really makes the difference is that they are mounted on what amounts to a jetbike. Destroyers can move swiftly to counter any threat; they can find angles to engage enemy firing barrages indirectly or bring their combined firepower to bear just where it is most needed. Resist the urge to separate them from the bulk of your army. The presence of Tomb Spyders and Resurrection Orbs will vastly enhance the Destroyer's survivability. Just as importantly, you will be encouraged to use them to provide vital covering fire for your main force. It can be very depressing when your army phases out just on the verge of victory, so you should never lose sight of the need to preserve your Warriors, no matter what the temptation.

Always remember the Necron army is a complex machine where each component has to mesh properly with each of the others if it is to work. Destroyers and Heavy Destroyers are a vital component, but they still need the rest of the machine.

Happy Harvesting!

Next: Designing the Destroyer.