Tau Hazard Suit teams...support system wording...

[chapter master 454]

So while digging around Tau stuff and looking up some notes for units there is one thing that has popped up which is...well its technically correct and thus does warrant a discussion of sorts.

 

Hazard Suits can get a free support system.

 

Now it is a RAW vs. RAI problem but as there has been in the past, wording is very important and in this case I will quote the wargear options section for the hazard team but only the relevant line.

 

 

- An XV9 Hazard Battlesuit may take one one of the abilities listed on the T'au Support System list

Quick note I do trim the last section as it is a defunct piece of reference and is only a reference (it refers to the Index: Xenos where as Tau now refer to their current codex instead).

 

So the problem here is that it, RAW, says take the ability but not the support system itself. So as stated they don't need to pay points for any system they take. Granted they only get one but again, any amount of points saved can be a big deal (especially if Advanced Targeting System (ATS)) is chosen.

 

RAI however would very heavily imply (as all RAI is) that we should pay points for the abilities as they are one and the same as the support system and thus you pay the points for what system you take.

 

So I put it you guys. Personally, if it were me I would likely talk to any opponents about this prior to a game I have with them involving the units, see if they are okay with me getting free systems or if I should pay the points, naturally also for tournaments talking to the judges and officials for it regarding such a matter and making sure I have a clear response kept safe if I get a favourable ruling.

I would say I lean towards the RAI side of things but always open to kidney jabbing GW a little bit with the RAW version just because...well wording matters guys. Come on.