Wolf Priests leading packs of Fenrisian Wolves

[BDS]

I am building two lists currently and tournament list and a list with as much variety as possible. In the second category I generally try to use units that are uncommon. I also, when fully smitten by a codex, will eventually try and most likely build a unit or two from every thing available in the force org.

 

With this in mind, I was mulling over various close combat units I could come up with. I have read and re-read the rules and think I am ok with interpretation, fluff, and RAW with this one. I would like to see if members of the Fang would agree with me.

 

Under the Wolf Priest (WP) entry and description:

 

a WP can take Saga of the Wolfkin..a jump pack or a bike...

 

His rules say he can give preferred enemey to a chosen type to any "Squad" he joins. Throughout the entire description it does not say "Space Wolf or Space Marine" it says squad or unit.

 

His rules also say he makes an "Unit/Squad" he joins fearless...same as above.

 

So, my interpretation of this would be correct that a Wolf Priest on a bike or jump pack could join a 15 strong pack of fenrisian wolves...giving them I5, fearless, and preferred enemy..they come with counter attack and ATSKNF as long as a marine is alive in the unit.

 

I generally like CC units that come natural...I mean, I don't have to add a special character to get what I'm after or add tons of wargear and expensive upgrades, etc.

 

Now I know movement wise the unit will move as with the slowest model, so I will loose the 12" charge. I can live with that. If I really feel I have to have it....the WP will seperate greater than 2" in the movement phase, etc.

 

What do others think?

 

Thanks, BDS

[Custodian Athiair]

that as far as i can see (becuase i've lent my codex to my mate) is a very clever use of the writing of the rules

i don't see why you can't do it, it makes perfect sense and also it's quite nasty ;)

 

enjoy it while it lasts

 

Athiair :P

[Yeti]

Overall, I don't think it's worth it.

 

If you're gonna do it, footslog the priest. A 12" move won't do anygood 'cause the wolves only move 6".

 

My choice to accompany a squad of wolves would be either a lord or a battle leader. Saga of the wolfkin and thuderwolf mount, equip as you see fit. Good lead, a T5, 3+save multi-wound model to soak some wounds. Run a meat shield / living screen in front. Probably more effective and let's you take full advantage of your extra movement.

 

On another not, a wolf priest would he a good idea in one of the scoring units ... to keep them sitting on an objective.

[Wolf Lord Cuneglas]

Last edition the wolves moved as fast as the biker......it doesn't specify in our new dex....atleast I haven't seen it.

 

-WLC

[stinkenheim]

it was faq'd that wrgear wolves didn't slow characters on bikes for the old dex, but they didnt have a unit type so it made some sense, plus they stopped the bike turbo boosting.

the fen wolf unit in the new dex are cavalry, therefore they follow all the movement rules for them. the chances of non wargear wolves movinglike a bike is next to zero now. i would go with the WGBL on TWM and chcuk the priest in with bloodclaws/GH... at least i would if i didnt hate the idea of ridden wolves, but heres neither the time nor place for that discussion.

[beatdemskulls]

Thanks for the input.

 

Yeah, I know the Thunder Wolf mounted HQ is better suited movement wise and just as fluffy.

 

It is a darn shame the “Wolf” priest can not go on a thunder wolf mount, they did give you the option of taking the appropriate saga and all.

 

On the flip side, the wolf priest is the only hq that can impart “fearless” to a squad he joins. He is also half the point cost or less.

 

The combination of the wolf priest and wolves basically will at best be a little faster than an infantry squad. It will move 6-12” in the movement phase and 6” charge. You have to give the WP a bike or jump pack to move over 6 and still be able to charge. The WP and the wolves would move independently in the movement phase then automatically rejoin as the WP would end up within 2” of the unit, etc.

 

What I like, it is an option. I can be creative in my close combat combinations. In a list trying to develop diversity and non-standard units, this has some advantages.

 

1. I can make a fearless meat shield stretching across my entire front line that has counter charge and preferred enemy granting me 4+ for everything behind it for as little as 220pts for 15 of 16 terminator sized based models. A great clean up unit versus armies that have to come to you (orks, bugs).

2. A relatively inexpensive unit to assault or distract an opponent, and provide cover for more deadly threats to advance behind. For 260pts (added a jump pack, Saga) you can, if arriving unscathed, deliver 45S4 I5 reroll to hit attacks, plus wolf priest.

3. 16 Fearless models is a fairly good tar pit, as long as the WP survives.

4. In a list that will combine different modes of close combat, this one will be rare.

5. It is fluffy as all get out….lone wolf priest, kills alpha wolf, takes over pack, makes a quest versus a type of enemy, etc.

6. My Fenrisian Wolves will not break and run off the table from shooting. Thus, if they survive, they must be dealt with. This has the potential to cause my opponent to make more decisions and question more things, always good. The more indecision the greater the chance for mistakes.

7. I can get a theme involving wolves that does not require a special character I am not so sure about. I can develop a wolf theme without marines riding wolves (though I am not as opposed to this as others).

8. It’s an assault option that does not tie up a troop choice, elite choice or involve skyclaws.

 

Thanks for the input. I am sure I will eventually have wolf lord on a thunder wolf mount. But this is an option I can utilize today, no conversions needed, a wolf priest who’s kit won’t isolate him, etc.

 

Now on the wargear (fen wolves) with a bike mounted HQ. I believe whatever the current FAQ states would still be in effect. Unit entry or not. If they are defined as wargear for an HQ, they still move as fast as he does...so a bike would not be slowed if that is what the current FAQ states, IMO.

 

My two fangs,

BDS