Liberator

Crucible Guard Warjack

Model stats and abilities

Model Statistics

Base size =
Health =
FA = C
Cost = free
-
-

Model Advantages and Abilities

Headbutt Power Attack	This model can make Headbutt power attacks. No errata for Headbutt Power Attack (Create)
Slam Power Attack	This model can make slam power attacks. No errata for Slam Power Attack (Create)
Trample Power Attack	This model can make a trample power attack. No errata for Trample Power Attack (Create)
Pathfinder	This model treats rough terrain as open terrain while advancing. While charging, slam power attacking, or trample power attacking, this model does not stop its movement when it contacts an obstacle. No errata for Pathfinder (Create)
Dual Attack	This model can make melee and ranged attacks in the same activation. When this model makes its initial melee attacks, it can also make its initial ranged attacks. A model with Dual Attack can make its initial melee and ranged attacks in any order you choose. This model cannot make ranged attacks after making a power attack.   Errata-Dual Attack and Unit Charges (2023-10-27) Question: If a unit with Dual Attack charges a single model, are all placed in melee range, and the first model kills the charge target, can the remaining members of the unit make ranged attacks, or do they forfeit their Combat Action because they don't have any enemy models in their melee range? Answer: The check for melee range is done at the end of movement. If you kill the targets before they attack, they can still do their ranged attack. (Malkav13) Explanation: This post is correct. Infernal Ruling: elswickchuck (Bulldog) - PP Community forum   Errata-Dual Attack and Special Attacks (2023-08-10) Question: Can a model with Dual Attack make any combination of ranged special attack and normal melee initial attacks, or its melee special attack and normal ranged initial attacks? (Example: Bison Both Barrels and Ram, or Mariner Thresher and gunshot). Answer: No. Explanation: The bison can not use dual attack and also make a special attack. That is correct in that (Thresher) example too. Infernal Ruling: elswickchuck (Bulldog) - PP Community forum
Construct	This model is a construct, and is not a living model. No errata for Construct (Create)

Weapons

GUN
	RNG	ROF	AOE	POW	LOCATION
	11	1	-	13	-
Special Attack	A model can make a special attack during its Combat Action if it meets the requirements for the special action or attack's use. Pounder - Category:Pounder No errata for Special Attack (Create) No errata for Pounder (Create)

AXE
	RNG	ROF	AOE	POW	LOCATION
	1	-	-	14	-
Weapon	Category:Weapon No errata for Weapon (Create)

Errata

No Errata specifically for this model.

Lore

Crucible Arms ’jack mechaniks have taken the reliable Vanguard chassis and subjected it to systematic reconfiguration to produce several variant models, most notable among them the Liberator. To preserve the rare cortex materials required for traditional arc nodes, the Liberator is instead outfitted with an experimental new alchemical powered variant employing a formula of arcanely sensitive compounds. This apparatus is easier and cheaper to produce, allowing the Crucible Guard to deploy the machine in great numbers.

Basic Info

Abilities

• Template:Arc Node
• Template:Construct
• Template:Ashen Veil
• Template:Alchemically Treated
• Template:Experimental Arc Node
• Template:Node Capacitor

Weapons

Thurible
File:Sword icon.jpg		RNG				POW				P+S
		2				4				13
Template:Chain Weapon
Shield
File:Sword icon.jpg		RNG				POW				P+S
		0.5				2				11
Template:Shield

Theme Forces

• Crucible Guard
  • Template:Magnum Opus
  • Template:Primae Materia. This model gains Cutting Edge in this theme.

• Other Factions
  • Infernal players can use this model in the Template:Hearts of Darkness theme, but only if Lukas is leading the army.

Thoughts on Liberator

Liberator in a nutshell

The Liberator is a combat light warjack based on the Vanguard chassis that also sports a prototype Arcnode. It has basic combat abilities and has the best defensive statline for a light in the game thanks to its Ashen Veil and Shield rules.

The Experimental Arc Node is more reliable than you may expect the chance of burning it out with 2 spell casts is 1:36 and with the mechanics (and Cutting Edge) the advantage of being able to cast spells while engaged outweigh the potential damage you may suffer.

You should take the Liberator only if you need the arcnode, as for the same price you get the Vanguard, which is more flexible due to having a gun, Shield Guard, Assault and extra POW on its weapon. On the other hand between a shield and Ashen Veil as light warjacks go it is extremely tough, making it effectively a 15/19 against most shooting and almost all living enemies.

Combos & Synergies

• Aurum Legate Lukas di Morray is the obvious Crucible Guard spellslinger, overdosing on drugs to increase his FOCUS. Every Lukas list should start with a Liberator (after Alyce).
• Aurum Lucanum Athanor Locke has the excellent Jackhammer spell but bringing her near the front lines is risky, so a Liberator is a must-have with her.
• Syvestro is a spell-slinger who has plenty of good opportunities to use a melee arc node. Not a "must-have" for him but VERY good, especially for offensive Transmutation and Stygian Abyss.
• The Liberator has more niche use with the other CG casters. Benett for example has multiple 6” range spells she’d like to be able to reapply forward, but she is very mobile.
  • Specifically with Bennet, there is a bit of skornergy with the Liberator. Benett really wants to cast spells forward, but she has such good mobility & DEF she can usually just do the same job by herself without needing a Liberator.

Drawbacks & Downsides

• The Liberator is not a cheap light, and can struggle to provide output equivalent to its cost. Both the Retaliator & Vanguard are better value propositions for most lists.
• POW 13 makes it weak into armor so its more of an infantry and cavalry slayer that can help out with Shield Wall/Shield models here and there.
• There’s almost no reason to take a Liberator with Prospero since he only has the one spell that can be channeled. If you’re just buying into the faction, it’s usually better to get two Vanguards first.
• Models that ignore concealment or have fire immunity ignore Ashen Veil, models who circle around its shield or can turn it around with a spell ignore the shield, which results in a big dip in it's survivability.

Tricks & Tips

• Thanks to its quirky arcnode you can still charge in, maul what you can AND still channel that spell you wanted on that unit so badly.
• Provided the Arc Node is not crippled by incoming damage, you only have a 1/9 chance that the node will burn out in two spells (this means an 8/9 chance you get a minimum of three spells, sans repair). For Mackay, Locke, Gearhart, and Syvestro, three spells is often more than enough to justify the presence of a melee arc node. Lukas may want to consider a second Liberator or a Mechanic.

Other

Trivia

Released with the Faction launch (2018.06)