Rules of Our Game is a weekly post regarding rules problems. I run across tons of rules questions each week, and I think almost every person in our hobby should keep an eye out for things like these. It helps us when we finally come across such problems or weak spots in the rules of the game. Comments and "Your Wrong!" are very appreciated with this series, as navigating the rules of our game can be quite treacherous.
Ceramite Plating
The question comes in: Do melta bombs get their 2d6 armour penetration against the Ceramite Plating of a Storm Raven.
Answer is yes:
First off, melta bombs do not come with the Melta rule in any codex. Although this is true, it hardly matters, because when it come down to ceramite plating, it only protects against shooting. Here is the rule:
Ceramite Plating:
Melta weapons do not gain the extra D6 armour penetration when shooting at a Stormraven Gunship.
Melta bombs are not shooting.
Mission Special Rules (missions)
Mission special rules during tournaments are often were things get a little hairy. As tournament missions are often written poorly, there are some things that few mission writers need to taking into consideration. As a player, even a casual one, it is important to know these as well.
First off, a standard mission has random game length. So if it is not mentioned in the mission you hand to the players, the game has a random game length, not 6. (I have seen this one, and had it cost me a game, since everyone else got to play 6 rounds, when I only got 5).
Second. Infiltrate and Scout are not mission special rules. They are USR's (universal special rules pg74). So whether they are mentioned or not under mission special rules, they still apply to the game. The only way they are not allowed, is if the mission specifically states they are not.
Mission Special Rules:
I find it odd that people do still consider some USR's to be special rules. This I think is a carry over from previous editions. Even Ard Boyz has a hard time following this, and it creates confusion.
The only Mission Special Rules in the game are actually listed (pg 94). These are the following
Reserves
Deep Strike
Night Fighting
So these are the only things that should ever be listed under a missions "Mission Special Rules" section. Additional special rules, like "not allowing a USR" can also be included here. So any odd rules for the mission... This is the place.