Infinity/N3 Tactics/Hassassin Bahram

The unit overview and general tactics for Hassassin Bahram

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Why play Hassassin Bahram?

The Hassassin Bahram is a mysterious organization who only answer to the "Old Man of the Mountain" and they are charged with protecting the Search for Knowledge. Hassassin Bahram is made up of fanatic assassin philosophers ready to give their lives for the ideals of Haqqislam and they make their executions public to send a message. Though not officially part of or recognized by the government, Haqqislam still funds them.

Hassassin Bahram sectorial army offers a lot of flexibility, and is the master of disruptive tactics and uneven trades. Hassassin Bahram is the more difficult army to master, however, a very difficult army to oppose.

Faction Features

Special Skills

• Impersonation: The highest AVA of Impersonation units in the game. AVA2 Fidays and AVA1 for the fiday character, Al-Djabel. If played right, these assassins can be a massive threat for your enemies.

• Religious: Hassassin Bahram units are all religious fanatics ready to give their lives to Haqqislam. Nearly all troopers in this sectorial are Religious making them unflinching in combat, but possibly to their detriment. Remember that any level of Valor or Martial Arts also gives V:Courage.

• Doctor Plus: Haqqislam has the best doctors in the Human Sphere and are masters of medicine. So of course that is true in Hassassin Bahram. With the average WIP14, any doctor with this skill can heal models with a +3MOD (WIP17!)

Weapons and Equipment

• Viral Weapons: Muyibs with Viral Mines, Lasiqs with Viral Rifles/Snipers, Characters has Viral CCW...Only the Tohaa have more Viral weapons.

• MSV: Or rather lack of. There are plenty of Smoke Grenades, however, NO MSV2 or higher. Only Govads have MSV but only level 1.

• Explosives: DEPs, Panzerfausts, mines, D-charges etc., mostly from Muyibs. Try not to shout "ALLAH ACKBAR!" at your opponent when using them.

Unit Overview

Light Infantry

• Daylami Infantry: The only Daylami worth taking are the Limited Camo/Inferior Infiltrators. If they pass their infiltration test, they can become an annoying speed bump. For only 8pts and .5swc you can have a Panzerfaust wielding Camo Marker within the opponent's half of the board...if you pass the Inferior Infiltration roll that is.

• Ghulam Infantry: Ghulam are the basic Haqqislam trooper and they have a wide selection of options including specialist options, Doctor Plus, Hacker, and Forward Observer.
  • Core: Ghulam fireteams are inexpensive, but in Hassassin Bahram they are only AVA4. This fireteam suffers from low BS11 from the lack of a 5th member (unless you throw in operative Leila Sharif, see below). There are simply better fireteam options than Ghulams.

• Hassassin Govads: Govads are the only MSV1 troopers in the sectorial. The Sniper can be a decent ARO piece while the HMG can be a good Active shooter. Veteran L1 means they are immune to Isolation and they stay regular during Loss of Lieutenant. They have only 2 specialist options: Hacker or Killer Hacker.
  • Core: Govads can be taken as a Core fireteam. In a Core team, they can be a big long ranged threat. Unfortunately they do not have any mid-ranged weapons like a spitfire.
  • Haris: There is a Govad with the Haris option perfect for a small escort team or active turn hunting.

• Hassassin Muyibs: Muyibs are a very versatile mid-cost trooper. Each profile is armed to the teeth for any situation or just a fantastic combination of weapons and skills: Minelayer with Viral Mines, LGL with both Normal and Smoke Grenades, Spitfire or HRL with X-Visor. Just the basic loadout comes with a Panzerfaust and D-Charges. Though Muyibs are religious troops, V:Dogged give them V:Courage. Though they have a Forward Observer and Doctor Plus specialists nearly all also have D-Charges for Sabotage. They are the definition of a "toolbox" unit.
  • Hassassin Husam Yasbir: Though Yasbir is based on the Muyib profile, he does not have V:Dogged or Panzerfaust and D-Charges. Instead, he's given Martial Arts L3 and a Viral CCW. He has much higher CC, PH, and BTS stats, but with only ARM1. Yasbir is also a Specialist Operative. Though Yasbir can be a very potent threat, he is also a very soft targe, and relies on either fireteam bonuses or Holoprojector to protect him.
    • Option 1: The first profile is intended for linking with Muyibs in a Core team. Besides adding a nanopulser and higher CC skills, Yasbir does not add a whole lot to the team that another Muyib can't do. He also does not have V:Dogged or any long ranged weapons. Holoprojector L1 can disguise him as a Muyib, or, if outside of a fireteam, he can disguise himself as something far more dangerous/innocuous.
    • Option 2: For 7pts more the second option comes with Infiltration, Holoprojector L2, and Smoke Grenades. The option makes Yasbir a mid-field threat ready for Smoke coverage and objective grabbing.
  • Core: Probably the best fireteam option in the sectorial. Every profile has the Number 2 rule making breaking the team much harder. With a Doctor Plus unit, Muyibs won't have to go Dogged. The Spitfire with X-Visor is vicious with the +3BS from a full 5-man team - as is the HRL for the long ranged support. While the weapon options of the Govads suggests they are suited for long ranged engagements, the Muyibs are perfectly capable of getting into the thick of things.
  • Haris: The Muyibs have a Haris option. A small Muyib Haris team makes for a deadly little team for fire support or a specialist escort team.

• Hassassin Barids: Barids are an excellent hacker option. They have access to Hacking Device, Assault Hacking (with Icebreaker), Killer Hacking (with Lightning), and, if you're tight on points, a dirt cheap Forward Observer. Barids carry hacking support with Pitchers instead of Light Shotgun, and they're also a very good WIP14 and BTS3. Though they have a decent BS12, they have only ARM1 W1 without any form of defensive measures like Mimetism, and no other weapon options except for their Rifle+Pitcher. Barids are also a very popular Lieutenant choice.

• Ghazi Muttawiah: For a mere 5pts you get an Extremely Impetuous Irregular troop with V:Dogged, Chain Rifle, E/Marat, Smoke Grenades, and Jammer. They are a menace and, if ignored, they can wreak havoc and/or throw a wrench into your opponent's plans. Hide him in a building midfield or even inside a Smoke Template, and force your opponent to waste orders to stay out of the Jammer's range especially if there is a fireteam; Jammer can easily break the team by hitting the Leader. Chain Rifle is great for crowds; E/Marat can be a nightmare for TAGs and Heavy Infantry. They will also provide Smoke Coverage for your army's advance. Unfortunately there are no MSV2 units in Hassassin Bahram, but many would still argue Muttawiah are a must-have: 5pts is hardly an investment, and even if they die, your order pool is fine.

• Najjarun Engineers: Basic Haqqislam engineer. Unfortunately, he's the ONLY engineer in the sectorial. Fortunately, he's WIP14 and has V:Courage.

• Avicenna, Mercenary Doctor: Avicenna is a great doctor option. With Doctor Plus and WIP15, she heals on 18s. Also Flash Pulse on that same WIP15. Though only ARM2, she's got V:NWI. 6-2MOV makes her super fast (6inch Cautious Move!). Unfortunately, Avicenna costs quite a bit at 27pts, has no defensive skills, and only Combi Rifle. Keep her far away from long ranged threats and Viral and Shock ammunition.

• Warcor: Cheap and Irregular 3pt WIP13 Flash Pulse dude. Take them if you got a few points left over. Don't underestimate how useful they are as an ARO piece.

• Husam Leila Sharif: In Hassassin Bahram, Leila Sharif had the same uses in generic Haqqislam, however she has multiple Fireteam options.
  • Core: Ghulams: Ghulams are only AVA4, but Leila Sharif can jump in as the 5th member which provides the +3MOD bonus. This is a major deal since a Ghulam fireteam is very inexpensive, which opens up points for the rest of your army list. Leila Sharif's Shock Marksman Rifle goes to B4, and because it's a mid ranged weapon, the team can be more mobile for midfield contesting and Objective grabbing.
  • Core/Haris: Muyibs: In a fireteam of Muyibs, Leila introduces a Killer Hacker in team of already very deadly troopers. Though the Muyibs already have the high burst Spitfire, Leila is still deadly for the Shock ammo. Now, you have a fireteam with Viral Mines, Emaulers, Fire from HRL, high burst Spitfires, D.E.P, Doctor Plus, D-Charges, Killer Hacker, and/or Shock Marksman Rifle options. There is nothing Muyibs+Leila can't accomplish. Leila is also cheaper than the basic Muyib, so you can add cost effectiveness too!
  • Haris: Asawira: That's right. Asawira Haris. Leila Sharif counts as a Muyib for fireteam composition. Not only does Leila add all the benefits mentioned above, but she cost less than a normal Muyib, further decreasing costs for this haris team.

Medium Infantry

• Hassassin Ragiks: Ragiks are a very tough drop troop because of their V:Dogged. They have a WIP15 Assault Hacker for specialist.

• Hassassin Lasiqs: Though only BS12, Mimetism and Viral weapons make the Lasiqs some of the most feared troopers in the game. And even though they're only 4-2MOV, Climbing Plus helps them get to high vantage points without spending too many orders. The Viral Sniper is very deadly in both active and ARO. The Viral Rifle can deny entire board sections if placed in Suppression Fire. They also have X-Visor to mitigate range penalties.
  • Core: The Lasiqs have no Specialist options and only AVA4. However, they can still be a dangerous Core team. They're often used to send mutliple Lasiqs up the board to drop the entire team into Suppression Fire, and then using a Command Token form a fireteam around another unit like Muyibs. Having even 3 Lasiqs with Viral Rifles in suppression in the midfield can severely shutdown the table.

Heavy Infantry

• Asawira Regiment: (Copy and pasted from the Haqqislam Tactica) Are great short-mid ranged Heavy Infantry. They have the highest BS in the faction, 14. They have Martial Arts L2 which also gives them Stealth and V:Courage. Against Hackers they have no Tinbot options but have a very high BTS9 which is also great defense against Flash and Viral ammunition. Though only ARM3, they have 2 Wounds with Renegeration at PH14. Nanopulsers everywhere.
  • Duo: With the Duo Skill in the profile, 2 Asawira can march down the board with efficiency and suppress Fenzy.
  • Haris: They have an option with Haris, but even a small Haris team will be expensive. However, up to 2 Muyibs can join the team. making the Haris team cheaper, but still formidable in combat.

• Hassassin Ayyar: The Ayyar brings a very interesting combination of skills. Specialist Operative, Free Agent, Religious, and Holoprojector L2. The Sniper is a bit of a trap, costing more SWC and losing SSL2. However, the Shock Marksman Rifle or Rifle-E/Mitter and DEP combo are the most useful especially as they both come with Surprise Shot L2; the former works best in active turn shooting out unsuspecting fireteams while the latter is preferred for AROs, especially against TAGs and HIs! If things get too close and personal, the Ayyar are armed with 2 Viral Pistols, just in case they decided to swing a Ninja at what they thought was a vulnerable Haris team.

Remotes

Haqqislam isn't known for its REMs and all of them are pretty basic. You'll be taking around one or so just as a means to plug minor tactical gaps that you otherwise can't fill with more bodies.

• Basic REMs:
  • Rafiq: Standard toolbox REM.
  • Shihab: Standard Total Reaction 360 Visor bot.
  • Shaytaniyah: Basic SML REM.
  • Fanous: 8pt Flash Pulse bot.

• Nasmat: Basic G:Servant Remote. Use them to keep your Doctors and Engineers safe.

• Kameel: Basic S4 Baggage bot.
  • Minesweeper: Cheap and useful for supply runs and adding more mines to your table, both by means of resupply as well as converting your opponents mines to your side.
  • EVO Hacker: Especially useful in three key ways - they help Ragiks with their AD landing, resupply disposable weapons for Muyibs and can serve as your army's haxor, though of a lesser caliber than the Barid.
  • Total Reaction: The Shihab is better, costing 4 points (but 1 SWC) more. Generally neither are not worth it - you should be taking more dudes anyway.

Skirmishers

• Hassassin Fiday: Same use in vanilla Haqqislam, speed bump and denial tactics, but with AVA2. Use Smoke to cover your army's advance. Avoid too many AROs unless you can take them on one at a time, and don't engage troopers dedicated to CC like Chimeras, Oniwabans, and Myrmidon Characters in CC - the Fiday may get a Surprise Attack, but they are only CC21 and only PH12. Fidays are better killers if they can single out their targets in close range. Basic Impersonation and Smoke can help you easily maneuver around the enemy's table half. Though, Fidays can deploy in the opponent's deployment zone, it's not worth taking that risk - if the Fiday fails dispersion can make him worthless or even get him killed.
  • Hussein Al-Djabel: Al-Djabel is a different story from the generic Fidays. He is dedicated to close combat kills with his Viral CCW. Using Impersonation to get up close, and throw Smoke on your unsuspecting target to easily get into close combat. Martial Arts L4 can give you an extra burst. However, like the Fiday, avoid too many AROs and try to single out your targets. Remember, he also has a Knife which works well against high BTS targets.

• Hassassin Farzans: Farzans are the only camo infiltration unit in Hassassin Bahram. Unfortunately, they are super squishy with ARM0 and BTS0, so they will need to rely on Camo and Cover to stay alive. They have 2 specialist options: Chain of Command and Forward Observer. The last option is an Minelayer with Antipersonnel Mines which fits with the theme of the sectorial and it's only 23pts. Also they're AVA3 which means the sectorial can play a bit of a shell game (though not as well as Ariadna)

General Strategy

The sectorial excels at area denial and speed bump tactics causing your opponent to waste orders having to deal with shit in their own table half. Meanwhile, your troopers are moving up to add more pressure and capture objectives.

• Muttawiah are mobile Jammer bubbles, provide smoke, and have multiple template weapons to deal with most troop types. V:Dogged also makes them more annoying to deal with.
• Fidays has special deployment rules for Impersonation allowing them to deploy further up the board. They can make quick attack runs taking out vital targets like a sniper or other ARO threats, and/or lay mines around the other side of the table.
• If they pass their Inferior Infiltration roll, Daylami can also cause problems.
• Lasiq Snipers can lock down long fire lanes. Lasiqs with rifles can create deadly Suppression Fire bubbles in the midfield.
• Farzan Minelayers infiltrates with a mine deployed or the other options are in position ready to capture objectives.
• Even if you kill the Muyib team leader or cause him to go Dogged, Number 2 ensures the team never breaks. Muyibs can also carry Antipersonnel/Viral Mines or E/maulers.
• Doctor Plus reliably heals troopers, making your opponent have to deal with them, or possibly spend further orders to ensure their kill.

The sectorial is not without it's weaknesses.

• No MSV higher than L1
• No Eclipse Grenades, Albedo, or White Noise to avoid enemy MSV2and3
• The only truely capable troopers are all mid-high cost making this a slightly more elite army than QK or vanilla Haqqislam. Ghulams, Muttawiah, and Daylami are cheap and good, but they can't carry the army.
• Not a lot of ARM busting BS weapons, so you may struggle taking down heavier TAGs and HIs. However, you have access to a plethora of explosives as well as weapons acting against BTS; at the very least, Govads carry breaker pistols (don't mock them til you finish off a hard target with one), then there's the E/Maulers on Muyibs and Ghulam, the Muttawi'ah's E/Marat and even Ayyars can take an E/Mitter - hell, even Viral weapons can work too. Arguably, attacking BTS in most cases is equivalent or better than ARM against TAGs and HIs.

Because of all the pros and cons, this sectorial requires a higher level of synergy and tactics and a bit harder to master than other point-and-shoot armies.

Tactics

• Lasiq Supression: As mentioned above fireteam of Lasiqs with Viral Rifles can form a nasty Suppression Fire bubble up in the midfield. Keep the Lasiq in Cover to maximize modifers (-3 Cover, -3 Mimetism, -3 Suppression Fire).

• Fiday deployment takes practice.

• Remember that Impersonators are considered Friendly troops to enemy mines. Fidays, and anyone with Cybermask can easily walk past them without triggering them.
  • Also Remember that Impersonators start at State-2 vs Alien Armies like Tohaa and Combined Army.

• Muyibs are undeniably the best Core option in the sectorial. They are SO well equipped for any situation. V:Dogged would normally throw the member out of the fireteam potentially breaking it, but the Muyibs all have the Number 2 rule and a very competent Doctor option; So Muyib may not have to activate Dogged. D-Charges for Sabotage. DEP for close ranged ARM busting. Spitfires with X-Visor to making them almost as good as HMGs. etc etc etc

• Holo-Haris Trickery: Remember that an Ayyar's silhouette is still 2 and that holo-projectors allow the bearer to take on the appearance of any unit in the army of the same size, including holoechos! Fortunately, anything that can form a Haris (Govads, Muyibs, Asawira, etc.) can be replicated, allowing for you to play a little shell game with your opponent from deployment... except for the fact that one of these "teams" will be making cautious movements, lacks a fireteam leader token and is composed entirely of models with apparently identical loadouts (the last one's not terribly a big deal, but still). Regardless, it can be amusing if you're fighting someone not familiar with holoprojectors, especially if they throw a CC trooper at one of your holoechoes only for it to receive a twin viral pistol double-tap with surprise shot L2 or slapping a TAG with an SSL2 E/Mitter shot.