Tohaa: Kerail Preceptors

     What a beautiful looking set of models, eh?

Kerail Preceptors

     This set of models is why I got into Tohaa. Sure, I picked them up before I even saw a preview for the Kerail and his SymbioBeasts, but it was a matter of destiny that Corvus Belli included a profile like they have, on models like how they look, for an army I decided to play. Alright, enough drooling. Let's do some exploring.

     There are two major profiles to decide between, and it stems from the question of do you want Surda Symbiobeasts for close range goodness, or Mutan SymbioBeasts for ... close-y/midrange okay-ness? Why the Mutan SymbioBeast profile can't come with two, and is more expensive than the Surda SymbioBeasts is beyond me. I can't see a situation that I'd rather pay more for less, and I just don't think the Mutan cuts it. Not only do I not feel the Mutan is up to par for the points, and barring the fact you can't take a profile with two of them, the Kerail him/herself is sitting on a worse equipment selection for what these things should be doing anyways, right? I think so, and not sure there's any changing my mind on the matter.

     What is the Kerail good at? Well, 28 points seems to get you a lot. Smoke Grenades, Submachine Gun, 6-4 movement, and x2 Surda SymbioBeasts, who are close combat (morethan)capable with Super Jump and Pulzar's. It also nets you close to 6-ish wounds (well, there are 6 between dogged and Symbiote Armor, but there are ways around some of those). Wow-za. 28 points feels cheap. You can easily sacrifice a Beast or two to maneuver for a good Pulzar with Super Jump, and still have a capable Submachine in midfield - and you definitely want these guys midfield. Or for that 28 points, you gain fantastic backfield protection.

     

     It's difficult to go into detail why 6-4 and Super Jump with Pulzars is solid until you've really experienced it. Considering the Beasts are 8 points at the cheapest, you can maneuver to get a good amount of models on a template, and not even care losing the beast to the AROs. Or you force two Pulzar's against dodges. Or you place them in position for your reactive turn AROs with a Suppressive Fire Submachine Gun covering them. So that means you're getting offense and defense, as needed, with minimal investment. Win-win? Yeah. 

     I plan to include these guys in every list I make, and will be painting them up real soon. Unless Human Sphere does something drastic, I can't see not getting my points out of them. Use them, practice with them, and you should see what makes their profile scary very easily. With all the good buffs and new profiles Tohaa will be getting, they will help support and enforce any list.