Give this character a power action; place up to 6 hindering terrain markers in distinct, adjacent squares that are all within this character’s range (minimum range value 4). At least one of the terrain markers must be within line of fire when it is placed . The terrain markers remain until the beginning of your next turn. Characters that occupy these terrain markers modify their attack value by -1 unless they can use Smoke Cloud or ignore hindering terrain for line of fire purposes.

2012 Wording: Give this character a power action; place up to four hindering terrain markers in distinct, adjacent squares that are all within this character’s range (minimum range value 1). At least one of the terrain markers must be within line of fire when it is placed . The terrain markers remain until the beginning of your next turn.

•Also see Locking

•(HeroClix Website 05-02-2013) One thing which should be readily apparent is the addition of 2 more hindering terrain markers being placed for a total of 6 squares. This addition will be a big improvement all around due to the options that these two extra squares of instant hindering terrain will provide.

•(HeroClix Website 05-02-2013) The next thing one may notice is something which doesn’t apply to every character who uses Smoke Cloud, but it is a pretty hefty boost for many. The minimum range for this power has been increased from just 1 to a full 4 squares.  This extension makes those low range/low cost Smoke Cloud users much more enticing for their ability to provide the needed cover to boost their allies’ defenses.

•(HeroClix Website 05-02-2013) Finally, included with this change is another benefit, though that benefit is potentially a double-edged sword.  The hindering terrain markers which are placed by this power now provide a penalty to the attack values of all figures occupying these markers.  With optimal placement, a Smoke Cloud user now has the capability to apply a two point swing in favor of the Smoke Cloud user’s team by not only giving a figure a -1 to his attack, but also by forcing the lines of fire to pass through hindering terrain in order to get +1 defense value boost.  Beware, however, as the -1 attack values will be applied to your own guys, if they occupy those squares.  Mastering the timing of the placement will be something one will need to do, but the payoff will prove to be worthwhile. It is worth noting that if the target character can use Smoke Cloud or can ignore hindering terrain, this -1 will not apply to them.