Walking Fire attacks
Sarna News
Walking Fire is a term used when a 'Mech, or other Combat Vehicle OS using an Autocannon with a high rate of fire (typically an Ultra or Rotary Autocannon, but standard autocannons using the rapid fire rule count as an Ultra AC) to damage multiple targets in a single volley of fire. A LB-X Autocannon can also use this function for cluster ammunition to spread damage amongst adjacent targets.[1]
Ultra AC (and Rapid Fire AC) Rules
Both targets must be adjacent to each other in order to use walking fire. In this case, both targets use the highest to-hit value when rolling for hits against each target. So, if one 'Mech jumped, and the adjacent target hasn't moved that turn, both are treated with the hit modifier for the jumping 'Mech. Add a +1 to both rolls to reflect the inherit inaccuracy of walking the gun. Roll a die for both targets after using these modifiers. If the target number is matched or exceeded for one target, it is hit. If the target number is missed, the target is not hit. These rolls are done for each target.[2]
LB-X Autocannon Rules
A LB-X autocannon rolls similar to the above. Both targets are hit using the hardest to hit target as the baseline for the to-hit roll, with +1 for "walking" the shot. If only one target is hit, resolve it as normal for a cluster shot hit. If both targets are hit however, whatever damage that misses the first target is rolled against the secondary target. So, a LB-X 10 hits one target for 7 damage on the cluster table, leaving 3 to be rolled against the second target.[3]
Rotary AC Rules
A Rotary Autocannon follows the to-hit roll for the rest of these autocannons, up to whatever burst size the player opts for. The hit result is determined with a single die roll. Shots that hit are to be divided evenly across all targets where possible. "Odd numbered" shots that hit are rolled randomly. A missed roll implies that the entire volley missed.