#unit analysis

[allyphase]

send “unit” to mark’s inbox to have her analyze your muse!!

happy april fools toa i love yall <3

[aleph-destroid]

IT'S TIME TO GET RAMBLOMATIC (pls don't due me)

I've decided to compile some of my observations concerning Monochroids that COULD potentially hint at something in the near future

Chapter I: Speculation on to who activated Monochroids

At first, I thought Monos were activated by Suzumi before leaving to search for Tsuba and I think it is like the most obvious conclusion to go to; however, with the findings made by Yike (shout-outs to the goat), and something that I myself can confirm - I believe that Monos are actually activated by Tsurubami

Rei-kun refers to their creators, Tsubakura and Suzumi, with honorific "-sama". However as it was noted in the wiki, Tsurubami is the only other character who is referred to as "-sama" - and they also accidentally said "go/ご", which might be a part of "ご主人様" - aka master. Given that if we're going to think that Tsurubami is the person who has activated Monos - it makes sense why Rei-kun currently thinks Tsurubami as their master - as they're the current user/exploiter of Monochroids.

Not only that, there are also signs of tampering (with Rei-kun).

Clothes are the most obvious thing as their clothing looks pretty traditional, which is quite unusual not only because those were provided by their "master", but also because overall outsider characters don't look traditional - wearing blouses as opposed hakamas (with exception of Yabusame, but I suppose it's more of a Yabusame thing)

There's a question of Zelo-chan and NiLU since they don't look traditional as well - but remember: Rei-kun was pretty much abandoned early on, they might not even have clothes at all when they were first discovered (besides their hat I think, on it we do have a camera and a flash, suggesting some kind of espionage? But it could be for recognition reasons).

However there are more subtle ones. When Rei-kun gets asked a question that is "forbidden", they get a protection error.

The formatting of such an error is quite intricate, something that you might face when programming, that ends with a comment "Hmm~, Rei-kun doesn't really know~" However, there's also an omitted version of it that just shows that comment. It would be easy to think of it as a mere variation, but it was noted that it happened on TWO (well, not really) occasions:

1. When Rei-kun was asked to elaborate on Xeno a's relationship with them as they did refer to them as their "buddy" (because while Xeno a is an outsider, it was never implied that our outsider group even knows about them)

2. When Rei-kun was asked to elaborate on Tsurubami's life in the outside world

Xeno a as we know is a buddy-buddy with Tsurubami, and I suppose the reason why Rei-kun can't say about their life is because Tsurubami doesn't want to have their image of a powerful dictator crumble to the ground. I think the reason why the error messages were omitted on that front is because Tsurubami tampered with their code to enforce new censorship, and because they deemed long "programming error" formatting too unnecessary

There's also an issue of bird's eyes. At first I thought it was just Tsubakura working with some sort of "energy provider" and it's their way of naming those eyes: however knowing Tsurubami's ability - it actually makes sense for them to give those eyes to Monochroids and thus releasing their potential energy (ha got'em). And it already happens with "???" race units as before they were just some random tools, but now they have the potential to become something much more greater (while not being Tsukumogami who have to age 100 years to even gain life, again they're listed as "???" Race, not "Youkai")

With Rei-kun, they were already quite unfinished, yet required less energy, thus they have only one eye. Zelo-chan however is explicitly stated to be a living weapon, which is already energy consuming - so they have two eyes. And NiLU seems to be more of a trooper character with their attire resembling a regular soldier so maybe they have one eye? Let's wait and see their reveal (eventually)

And given that they're "Goodwill Ambassador of Mugenri", and while Tsubakura did know about the "other world" it's not like they knew its name (having to clarify the name when they were isekai'd by Tsuru)... Gee, that bastard is trying to propagandise Mugenri to the entire world.

And I think that's all for Rei-kun specifically. For Zelo-chan I can't really say much since they don't really speak much and serve more as a companion to Rei-kun...

HO-WE-VER! NiLU refers to Tsurubami as "Tsurubami-san" and Tsurubami is THE ONLY CHARACTER THAT NILU REFERS TO WITH PREFIX (and "-san" is quite respectable prefix too symbolising superiority). They don't use it even on their own deadbeat creator ffs. And their speech has a more softer/nervous feel, not something that is present throughout the game. Sure it's got debunked with the release of Main story mode, but I would argue that Main Story happens before the back issues chronologically; NiLU here is more courteous with Doc Yabusame and Kurohebi (using -hakase and -san respectively) and curious - while in Back Issue they're more curt. Perhaps they're more or less accustomed to the reality of their situation

Plus Tom looks like that "flying snake thing" midboss that was cut with their batty wings and a tail... But given what we saw in MW trailer, it's very debatable; but again, that "snake" didn't have any Bird Eye motif and if you believe what I said about other bird eyes, perhaps Tom is pure energy.

And now onto "NiLU is somehow connected to Shitodos" theory...

---

Chapter II: Possible Correlations with Shitodo Siblings?

Obviously, since we have Suzumi as the third protag, naturally it's logical to think that NiLU is based on them, however Tom started acting... Weird, saying that the answer lies in their heart as to why Kuroji is abiliti-less. So let's draw the comparisons

1. The belts, as they correspond to the Shitodo siblings colours (barring Kuroji, but they were always purple). There's also a point to be made with White belt being separate and way higher from the other three, which is pretty much Shitodo dynamic 101

2. The collar being the trademark black with white lining. Of course it could be me farfetching it, but we have Hoojiro, be it her pre- and post- redesign has a drastically different way of styling her collar (could be distancing from Shitodo siblings); hell, her blouse is pretty much THE biggest hint of her connection to Shitodo siblings

3. The attire and general genre of the game. Kuroji is a military strategist; NiLU, judging by their attire, is more of a soldier (i.e. the one who follows the orders), as their design seems to be inspired by Japanese' WW2 soldier outfit (the hat and puttees) + rain cape to conceal the body. Plus well, BotC is a strategy game

4. One of the key words shown in the opening was "Think" spelled with the same Kanji as Kuroji's hat in EE. That's also far-fetched, but still

5. Just... The overall odd focus on Kuroji here, being the one who NiLU should keep a close eye on since they're the closest one to being a human.

6. Suzumi already has a baby in the form of Kurohebi, the oldest baby

So there. Please also read my analysis of NiLU in BotC to get the "full picture"

[the40kcollector]

Unit Analysis: Primaris Marines

What makes these new marines so special? Who do they think they are invading our honourable chapters with their better guns, more wounds and considerable height? Why do these new marine feel the need to shoot further, use bigger jump packs and have bigger flags? Wait…these guys sound alright… Maybe we should give them a try…

Intercessor Squads: The Troop choice version. Basically a Space Marine with 2 Wounds and a better Boltgun. The Bolt Rifle is 30” S4 AP-1 Rapid Fire 1. Can be taken in a unit of 5-10 (including the sergeant) and are a reliable source of long range fire power.

Inceptors: Massive Jump Team. Mine have been nicknamed Hop, Skip and Jump, due to the three different sizes of flying stem and that is realistically what they do. Each is armed with two Assault Bolters, which are actually just 18” Heavy Bolters, so these guys wield 6 shots each and in a unit of 3 (including the sergeant). At 3 wounds and Toughness 5, these guys are tough and are able to move across the board fairly quickly. Their other advantage is their Crushing Charge, where the player will roll a D6 for each one that made a successful charge and on a 6 cause a Mortal wound to the enemy unit. Only real downside is the ridiculous point cost at 225 for a single unit I would not like to be spamming many of these.

Gravis Captain: Huge suit of armour, but still only a 3+. I was surprised to find out this guy only had a 3+ save, when it is bigger than a terminator. To make up for this it has been given an extra Attack and Toughness compared to a regular Captain. It also comes with some pretty cool weapons; the Boltstorm Gauntlet is a power fist with a 3 shot pistol built in and then a Master-Crafted Powersword (a 2 damage powersword). So the Gravis captain is versitle, but a bit slower than everyone else with a 5” movement.  

Primaris Lieutenant: Tactical dudes. I originally wrote these guys off, but after a few games I think I have changed my mind. Weaker than captains, but grant the ability to re-roll 1’s To Wound within 6”. Which when using the Hellblaster squad or similar devastator teams can be rather helpful.

Primaris Ancient: Resurrection Flag. An Infantry model dies within 6”. On a 4+ they can immediately shoot with a shingle weapon or make a single combat attack. This magic flag is attached to a 5 Wound model. So similar to the Lieutenants, this model works very well next to the Hellblaster squad.  

Hellblaster Squad: Long Range Plasma Devastators. Once I heard about these guys I gave a sigh of disappointment. Who wants a unit of just Plasma? BUT, then we saw the new rules for Plasma weapons and it is optional to overcharge the guns. So a 30” range Plasma gun with a better AP value than regular Plasma Gun and then the option for +1 Strength and Damage. As mentioned earlier, combine these guys with the Captain and Lieutenant to re-roll 1 To Hit and To Wound and the then the Ancient can resurrect someone to have another shot.

Reiver Squads: Just picked up my set today, then saw that a 10 man set will be realised soon. Heavy Bolt pistols are simply a Bolt Pistol with -1AP. Not bad. Shock Grenades deal no Damage, but if they hit an enemy unit they are -1 To Hit and cannot over watch. Combat Blades are knives that give +1 Attack (giving each 3 attacks). Terror Troops Ability forces enemy units to be -1LD. These guys are a smaller combat unit, but there may be some changes for tem in the larger boxset when that arrives.

Primaris Librarian: Librarian with +1 Wound.

Primaris Captain: Captain with +1 Wound.

So all in all I think the Primaris Marines are fine. They are not amazing, but not terrible. They do not fill any gaps the Space Marines were missing, but do not overfill the Space Marine choices. It is nice they can be used as a stand-alone army or to buff any existing army. I am looking forward to see what the codex will bring out and if the Chapter Tactics will be able to improve the Primaris in any way.

[allyphase]

unit ;3

A healer who brings a strange kind of tome to battle. This member of the clergy also boasts fortune telling powers. Should his predictions be correct, I imagine it would be useful much like the augury I am used to...

[allyphase]

Unit!

A man with something to prove. Proficient in lances, reason magic, riding, and fighting out of a corner. A valuable ally, should his cause align with yours. Brings with him a keen eye for emotion and an uncanny ability to survive what should be fatal.

[allyphase]

unit!

Heavily armored swordsman. Not something you see, I feel! Would be valuable to have with, for purposes of fending off axemen. Skilled with acting alongside others, as well. Good teamwork is surprisingly hard to find among students here.

[allyphase]

unit :melons:

Skilled with a flying mount and a lance. A dependable perfectionist -- I know having him on my side would mean that whatever I asked would get done, and get done well. It is valuable to have a pair of hands that can execute what's asked with little guidance.

On a personal note, I would love to meet his pegasus sometime.

[allyphase]

baa (unit)

An ally made in crisis, who I would be loathe to underestimate. Skilled with a lance, primarily, but has affinity for flying mounts as well. Ever able to keep a level head even in the worst of circumstances. I should pay him a visit -- it's been so long since we last spoke.