Time to play, Baal
by Erik Lind
The following is an audio clip transcribed from the front lines on Elysee:
"HQ, this is Defender Snake Delta checking in, the sky is clear and the ground is empty"
"Roger that Delta, next scheduled check in will be 1100 hours"
"Wait, HQ, something on the horizon, something large...what is..."
[static] "…too much firepower…don't have a chance…"
"Delta, what is it… I repeat Delta, what is it?"
[Radio Silence]
AFV's have demonstrated their superiority on the battlefield. Whether you're running the M.Ind. platoon and roll over the competition with waves of Fire toads, or enjoy championing your two-star AFV's to destroy the competition, armored combat has always been an imperative choice for your company. With the coming of the Baal Golgoth, the Therians have the first crack demonstrating the awesome power of a three-star AFV!
The Baal Golgoth presents the Therian player with an interesting option, "Do I spend the A.P. to field this giant AFV, or do I save the A.P. and spend it on multiple units?" This is a very valid question as the Baal is an expensive unit to consider when constructing your army. Not only should you consider the expense of the unit, but you also need to consider the advantages and disadvantages it will present on the battlefield.
The Baal Golgoth is a powerful AFV that will be an eye-opener for the enemy when it hits the table. Firstly, the Therians finally have a weapon that can do two damage per hit. This alone can change a Therians strategy on the battlefield, as they've only been used to firing multiple shots, dealing one damage per success. Not only will the Heavy Particle Accelerator be a gift for the Therians, but the Heavy Flamer will take care of infantry no problem, leaving only a smoldering pile of ash remaining afterwards. Another tactical advantage the Baal contributes is the addition of the structure points to all the locations on the AFV, most importantly the frame. The addition of this frame point makes the AFV tougher in battle, making it that much more difficult for the enemy to eliminate. The on board nanoresource administrator also adds to this hulking machines presence on the battlefield. Due to this device, when the Baal is an overseer omicron, it can execute it's routines for one LP less than usual. Executing repair for free has never been so sweet!
On the other hand, the dwelling points of this giant strider makes any Therian player weigh their options. The Baal alone costs 675 A.P. for a standard Baal, but if you make it an overseer omicron, the price hikes up to a hefty 715 A.P. For this price you could get two Wraith Golgoths equipped with relays and still have 5 A.P. left over. Also, another item to consider is the sheer size of this machine. When on the table, unless you have incredibly tall terrain, it will be seen from everywhere on the board. A locked shot weapon would have a field day with this easy line of sight, and might make for a quick game if going up against the U.N.A.'s Defender Snake. And lastly is the base size. If you're playing on a tight map, moving this strider around the map will non-existent as the big base will not be conducive for easy maneuvering.
The Baal Golgoth is a strider that should be taken very seriously, whether your deciding to put it in your platoon, or if you're on the other end staring down the barrel. The Baal will add new strategies never before seen for the Therians, and will present the age old question, "Who's next!?"
