I have a question about Warp Spiders. Can they use Hit & Run even if they lose close combat.

Also can a Autarch w/ a Warp Spider Generator Deepstrike as the exarch of the Spiders is who allows the unit to Deepstrike not their backpacks.

The Warp Spiders may always withdraw from combat, but that is provided they pass their Ld test required after losing assault. So if you lost assault and failed your Ld test, you'd have to test for break off. Otherwise you may withdraw normally.

I'd say the Autarch could most definately deep strike with the spiders, as it states at the front of the codex that all warrior powers affect both the Autarch and the aspects. The Scorpions Infiltration is the only Exarch power that specifically states that the Autarch can't also use it.

Cal

Any good tactical jewels of wisdom for using Spiders...anyone?

I'd like to know as well, as I'll be using 20 of them this weekend.

My thoughts were to use them to harass skimmer units, transports, and smaller shooty squads, while trying to stay clear of assault elements. Especially of use against skimmer units, like speeders, piranha, and vypers. I don't know of any skimmer units that can survive 15+ glancing hits.

Cal, are you sure you have to test to break off, cuz in the BGB it says 'The break-off move is automatically successful and is not subject to sweeping advance.' Sounds like I would be able to do it prior to break-off.

What I meant was that if the squad flees they will have to test for break off. Hit & Run is preformed at the end of the assault phase after the winner of the assault has been declared. So, if you lose combat, you still have to take a Ld test and test for breaking off as per normal when a Ld test is failed in CC. However if you pass that test, you may then choose to withdraw from the combat as is detailed in the Hit and Run rule. Similarly, if your oponent lost combat he'd have to take a Ld test and test for break off before your unit could withdraw from the combat.

I generally use spiders as a counter assault unit. I find an enemy weak in cc, shoot the life out of them, assault the survivors and then withdraw before taking any hits myself. This tactic is incredably useful for taking out 'Nids, Ork and IG squads, the 3+ save of the Space Marine and Necron usually countering the high strength of the weapon.

Cal

I ussually use them to take care of tanks. A Predator is most likely to be destroyed when i say "Surprise".