Doom of Malantai

[disband85]

I've been going through my codex trying to figure out what to buy next, and read about the doom of malantai. He sounds really cool and I'd like to try him out, but I have one question. For Absorb Life, can he gain wounds above 4? I interpret the rule to be one of the following:

1. DOM has 4 wounds and deals 8 wounds against enemy. DOM now has 10 wounds.
2. DOM starts with 4 wounds. He takes 2 wounds, then deals 2 wounds, getting his 2 wounds back. He can do this 4 more times (max 10 wounds), but can never have more than 4 wounds at any time.

Which is correct? Obviously the first one would be better but would make him crazy powerful for 90 points.

[mantisstalker]

The first one is right. Due to him losing wounds every time he shoots he can have a max of 10 but he is constantly changing due to absorb life and his shooting attack.

[mennorach]

First one is correct as far as I know.
At least, that's how it has been played so far from casual all the way to tournament games.
If in doubt, take a look at life leech: It grants wounds equal to the wounds caused. The power states it can't take wounds total above the starting number.
Doom doesn't have this caveat so it is limited to 10 wounds by rulebook.

[disband85]

Cool thanks for the clarification. I look forward to trying him out

[kippawah]

Great disruption unit for backfield objective holders, or generally any infantry groups around.

SUCK BRAINS!