INTO the EYE  An investigation into the deepest and darkest nooks of the GW Universe By Mike Brandon [October 2006] Welcome to the sixth volume of ‘Into the Eye’, a look into the finer parts of the GW hobby.  Rethinking Troops Types – Striking Scorpions V Howling Banshee's I have heard many times that theres absolutely no point in Striking Scorpions as they are just 1 point cheaper than Banshee's. So I'd thought I'd set the record straight in what could become a series of articles looking at existing troop types and how they may better be understood within the nature of the game. There are two marked differences between Striking Scorpions and Howling Banshee's, first up is the actual equipping. The mandiblasters, shuriken pistol and chainsword combination mean that the scorpions are going to be hitting 2-3 times, and is perfect for taking on light infantry. If the mandiblasters hit and kill, the scorpions can also go beyond and get someone else. Banshee's however have power swords and depend on pretty much a single auto hitting str. 5 -3 save strike but their lesser armour means they'll recoil against mass infantry. The second difference is that scorpions have a 3+ save which makes them pretty good at surviving mass infantry attacks as they tear through the ranks. Banshee's however have a 4+ save which is unlikely to save them against mass fire, instead they rely on the M 6 to get that -1 to hit modifier whilst they track their prey. Banshee's are an excellent heavy unit assassination team whereas scorpions are much better suited to taking on larger and more lightly armored numbers. The 1 point cost difference means you cans simply have some units ready on the sidelines and swap the squad depending on the army. Banshee's ideal against -> Marines, Chaos, Sisters of Battle, Tau? Scorpions -> Orks, Tryandis, Imperial Guard, Eldar, Dark Eldar Hopefully that shows that their is a difference between the two units, if only briefly. Also the new banshees models should not be upgraded to have shuriken pistols as this would annihilate the balance between these two units! Keep them with their laspistols as a simple firing weapon should the situation occur... no need for remodeling just use as a counts as. I hope this article will help players better understand the very specialised and differing nature between these two troop types and their specific roles on the battlefield. Strange Visions New creatures for the battlefields of the Warhammer universe Samanosuke Akechi  This month, the hero of the Onimusha games, the legendary Japanese 'Demon Samurai' Samanosuke Akechi. Samanosuke would be fitting for a Cathayan army or as a champion for a Dogs of War unit based around a Cathayan regiment. Note in Warhammer terms, Samanosuke would most probably originate from Nippon. Troop Type M WS BS S T W  I  A LD Save Points Samanosuke 4 7 5 4 5 4 6 4 10 3+ 175 Weapons – Bishamon Sword – Enchanted and magically spirited blade. Attacks count as magical, incur a +1 to hit bonus in combat and strike for +2 strength..  Armour – Heavy Demon Armour (3+ save) Special – Immune to Psychology          Oni Gauntlet – For every enemy killed in combat Samanosuke may recover a single lost wound