Storm column

The storm column is the ultimate base defense structure for the Scrin, and has been used extensively to protect vital structures such as their Relay Node assembly.

Background
Storm columns, much like the Planetary Assault Carrier, are able to somehow artificially generate localized ion storms. While aiding Scrin aircraft, ion storms are lethal to all human forces both on land and in the air, and the Storm Column is consequently an extremely fearsome base defense, with anything within range at risk of being annihilated by an immensely powerful lightning strike.

Scrin aircraft owned by the same army within the storm are enhanced, increasing the damage they deal by 25% and reducing the damage receive by 25%. Additionally, any friendly Scrin aircraft are healed by 5% of their maximum health each second they remain in the storm.

Game structure
Fortunately, storm columns have a somewhat limited range and their armor leaves them susceptible to high-powered weaponry. Artillery units, notably GDI's Juggernaut, are able to outrange the comparatively small ion storm that it generates and attack it with impunity. Also, large attack forces, while inevitably suffering losses, will be able to destroy it with relative ease.

While it is normally not possible to build one storm column immediately next to another, as one cannot build under an ion storm, powering down any nearby storm columns will allow the placement of other buildings. When a 'wall' of storm columns has been created, it is the most potent defensive line in the game, and is enormously costly to defeat (especially when two or three Devastator warships sit in the ion clouds above). This, however, can be potentially costly in terms of power.

The ion storm lingers for some time after the storm column is destroyed, still electrocuting those that are considered enemies of its owner before the storm dissipates.

The ion storm also disrupts missile guidance systems, causing them to occasionally lose their target and change direction before exploding elsewhere.

Changelog

 * Tiberium Wars patch 1.01: cost / build time increased to $3000/30 sec