I was looking at the rules for matched play, and anything you summon must come from a pool set up at the beginning of the game. The Engine summons on a random roll of 14 - 17 if I remember correctly. So how is everyone playing it? If you don't bring any summoning pool it seems like the Engine isn't really worth the risk of doing nothing for one or more turns. Thoughts?
It is still potentially useful in a pure Seraphon Allegiance, as it is one of our only sources of Mortal Wounds (albeit an unreliable one). I would argue that it would only be useful as a requisite for the Thunderquake Starhost and/or taken alongside a Slann. This would give you access to a pretty good formation for your heavy hitters, or at least with the Slann, some modicum of control over what results you get when you roll. Also worth considering would be the Skink Starseer, as its re-rolls and unique spell could also help you fudge the results in your favour. But is it really worth all this investment? Probably not, no. Final verdict- Passable, but ineffiecient and requires a network of buffs to even remotely shine.
That's kinda what I was thinking, but I was kinda liking the Thunderquake Starhost, which is why I was asking the question. Thanks.
Yeah, Thunderquake with a slann/lord kroak can be brutal. Roll 4 choose 3 still gives you the chance to pick something lower. And as @InfamousBeany said a few rerolls and you actually might pull off that double turn. Not the best unit for matched play, but definitely playable.
The local club here ruled that if you don't have summon pool choices then the lower level roll take effect. In this case D3 mortal wounds to enemies within 10" on 4+. Same for Skaven screaming Bell and the other models that do this same thing. Until we get a GW FAQ on it, that seems to be the best play for it.
That's how I house ruled it as well, though in friendly matches sometimes the opponent just says go on, show me your worst! Usually though the game is already pretty well over by the point where we allow that!