[SST] Tanker and Plasma Bug fire origin ruling

[BuShips]

Is it that the model center point is used for weapon measurements or the weapon? It would be less ambiguous if it was the center point but I'm not arguing one way or the other. I'm just looking for added clarity. In the original hardback rules on page 26/27, under LZ (Stream), it states

Stream weapons create a path of devastation that stretches in a straight line from the weapon to its target.

The underline above being my emphasis, that does work well with the graphic example on page 27 where the weapon stream's LZ originates from the weapon tip. It clearly does not originate at the M.I. Trooper's centerpoint (helmet).

The question was posed by new players that wished clarification on the extreme examples of the Tanker and Plasma Bug models, as they are separated the most from any possible Line of sight center point on the model kit.

Even though I can consider my question answered by the rules as written above, I would suggest a further clarification be added to the text on page 27 (Stream Fire).


suggested (with emphasis added)

Stream Fire: When using Stream fire mode, place the stream template so that one short end is touching the firing model's weapon tip- A Stream weapon's Lethal Zone stretches in a straight line from the firing model's weapon tip out to the weapon's maximum range or until line of sight is blocked by impassible terrain (whichever comes first).

Really, this being a self-answered question (the best sort I presume for the Rulesmasters), I thought it still best to add the comment for possible consideration.

Many thanks.

 

[BuShips]

Hmm, If LoS is measured from the center point of the model, why aren't the eyes of the Tanker Bug and the Plasma Bug taken into consideration?

I will not hold anyone at Mongoose responsible for not answering this question. "It's a game" works for me. :wink:

 

[Alexb83]

It's come up before, many moons ago - setting the centre point for a model like the tanker is somewhat subjective - as much for ranged weapon fire as for close range (when trying to work out its reach - the model may extend further away from its centre point in some dimensions that its size factor!).

I think the answer is that if you set a precedent in any given game (i.e. you fire from the head) then you must centre all movement/combat and so forth on that point consistently. Any effects on the model will happen around that point (be it the head or abdomen or thorax or whatever).