Tentative Malan'Tai Ruling

After going over the main book, the Tyranid Codex text, and so on, We've conluded that the argument that the doom doesn't work on embarked men to not have a leg to stand on--the rulebook is clear, 'when a player needs to measure to an embarked unit, use the hull of the vehicle.'

We realize, however, that questions of balance and precedent are at play here, and that the issue is one of great contention within the community. Therefore, we'll be following the Adepticon line with the following addendum:

• Units embarked in a transport recieve a 3+ cover save against wounds from the doom of Malan'tai. This is based on the 'disagreement resolution' mechanic for cover, and on the fact that fortified cover provides a 3+.
  
• While one must suffer hits (which are not inflicted by the Doom's description) to voluntarily go to ground, we nevertheless rule that unembarked models may go to ground against the Doom's aura. This is a balance-preservation and community-sanity driven ruling, and while unsupported in the RAW, is nevertheless merited.
  

This ruling is tentative based on the current climate of contention and the lack of an official FAQ for the Tyranid Codex. As we accumulate any other rulings, we will compile them into our Tournament packet (PDF), forthcoming.