Blood Angel Named Characters / Superfriends

[Sanguinarian]

#1 CAPTAIN TYCHO

I have attempted Captain (Sane) Tycho 3 times versus Dark Eldar. Once accompanied with a Tactical Squad and Rhino, they ate through a Warrior Squad and got wiped out by Wyches. Twice with Hounour Guard on a LRC: LRC was Immobilized and they were shot to pieces by 20+ Dark Lances; then on Turn 4 I chose to take the fight to an Archaon + Retinue + Wyche Squad when I should've stayed aboard my perfectly intact LRC, the HG got wiped out because I forgot to use their invisible Storm Shields and although he survived, he didn't impress me.

 

However, in my last fight with DE, I chose to bring him as his DC Psycho version to accompany 5 DC in an LRR, along with Astorath, Lemartes and 5 JP DC, that didn't arrive from Reserves until Turn 4!?!The mission was Seize Control with DoW as the deployment. DE went 1st and setup 2 Sniper squads in cover. I chose not to deploy anything, which in DoW (hindsight) was dumb because I could have set everything on the board up to 12" instead of tip-toeing in!?!

 

Anyway, Psycho & Company tread onto the board 12", shot their Ass. Cannon and SB to help eradicate 12 DE Biker Boyz screening their 11 pirate ships (with help from 2 AssCannon Razors and 2 AssCannon Baals). Turn 2 the LRR got Wrecked, so here began the suicide march across the board. When it was all said and done, Squad Psycho brought down 2 Raiders, 10 Warriors and 9 Wyches w/Drachiite. He single-handedly survived Turn 4 & 5, which saw 56 Wyche-weapon attacks rain down on him alone (Drachiite targetted & wiped out my 5 DC). Psycho only took 1 Wound; the Drachiite killed herself casting spells in 2 successive turns; the Dead Man's Hand reigned supreme killing 1 Wyche on Turn 4 (to tie cc) and on DE's Turn 5 he killed 3 which caused them to runaway; I missed catching them by 1; Psycho consolidated within 1" of them, and on my last turn, destroyed them after making them "dance like Michael Jackson!!!"

 

#2 ASTORATH

Coupled with Lemartes & 5 DC, they exploded 2 Raiders: ate the Warrior Squad inside one and an Archaon w/Retinue in the other, with Astorath taking the only Wound in 2 Rounds. I was saddened to learn that my arch-nemesis placed the shield on his suicidal Wyche Drachiite, making this guy easy-pickings!!!

 

#3 LEMARTES

Coupled with Astorath & 5 DC, I couldn't give him a wound in 2 rounds of shooting and close-combat, so I never saw him lose control. So, my jury is still out.

 

#4 COMMANDER DANTE

I used Dante w/HG in Game 1 back in December (*pdf) and wasn't impressed albeit my 1st game in 4 years, so that withstanding, I decided to create my Renegade Knights and haven't used him again.

 

#5 MEPHISTON

I rank him here, only because I haven't used him physically (don't own him) and because I run a Successor Chapter and have no fluff to support him ever accompanying us (yet, we'll see on Baal). But, in a meta-game over the phone, he did take down a DE Archaon + Retinue with 1 Wound remaining. I can see where his psychic shooting + psychic close combat powers would tear thru most anything if he stays away from AP1 & 2 weaponry.

 

#6 CORBULO

I used his Far-Seeing Eye in my last game for something uneventful, and The Red Grail saved my arse as he and 2 Tacticals survived 2 rounds of shooting enough to contest an objective on my last turn, but I've never seen Heaven's Teeth in action yet. Jury is falling asleep on him.

 

GABRIEL SETH

Not Ranked; don't own him; I'm not FT; but his write-up is VERY impressive!!!

 

 

So, in my estimation, and only after seeing them in action in one single game, DC PSycho and Astorath are beasts in my army. How's your Justice League of Superfriends doing for you?

[Slim Pickens]

#1 CAPTAIN TYCHO

 

I chose to bring him as his DC Psycho version to accompany 5 DC in an LRR, along with Astorath, Lemartes and 5 JP DC, that didn't arrive from Reserves until Turn 4!?!

 

 

Well aside from the bad luck of that Death Star group not arriving until turn 4... DC Tycho is not an IC, so cannot actually be deployed with any other squads/share vehicles/etc.

 

So factor this into your analysis, because he is a unit of one, so is not quite so survivable as he was when played as part of a unit.

[Sanguinarian]

#1 CAPTAIN TYCHO

 

I chose to bring him as his DC Psycho version to accompany 5 DC in an LRR, along with Astorath, Lemartes and 5 JP DC, that didn't arrive from Reserves until Turn 4!?!

 

 

Well aside from the bad luck of that Death Star group not arriving until turn 4... DC Tycho is not an IC, so cannot actually be deployed with any other squads/share vehicles/etc.

 

So factor this into your analysis, because he is a unit of one, so is not quite so survivable as he was when played as part of a unit.

 

The caption on pg.41 allows him to join a DC unit.

 

Note that there are two different profiles for Captain Tycho, one for the relatively sane Captain, and one to represent Tycho following his induction into the Death Company (and of course you may only field one of them in your force).

 

Regardless, as all of my games are friendly, Squad Psycho exists in my army, and yeah, hopefully the other guys could get into the fight a little sooner next time. :)

[Ivanzypher]

Sorry, but, I don't see anything on pg. 41 that lets him join DC squads. If it said something along the lines of "DC Tycho is not an IC, but may join DC units as though he were" I would say he can, but all it says is that it represents him after his induction to the DC. Although as you say, in friendly matches I don't see a problem with it. It seems to me as though it needs FAQ'ing though, who would field him without the ability to join a squad? he isn't exactly the Sanguinor or Mephiston level of awesome. Hopefully GW will fix this when they get round to releasing a FAQ.

[SamaNagol]

His induction into the death co. doesn't mean he can join another unit, I am afraid.

[Freman Bloodglaive]

OMG you're right.

 

Okay he does have the title of "death company Tycho" and I assume everybody will drop him into the death company, but there's no actual rule saying you can do that. Regardless, I doubt anyone will ever object to it because we know what Mat Ward meant (for once).

[Pcm979]

Never overestimate the intelligence of RAW slaves.

[Sanguinarian]

Sorry, but, I don't see anything on pg. 41 that lets him join DC squads. If it said something along the lines of "DC Tycho is not an IC, but may join DC units as though he were" I would say he can, but all it says is that it represents him after his induction to the DC. Although as you say, in friendly matches I don't see a problem with it. It seems to me as though it needs FAQ'ing though, who would field him without the ability to join a squad? he isn't exactly the Sanguinor or Mephiston level of awesome. Hopefully GW will fix this when they get round to releasing a FAQ.

 

I quoted the exact caption underneath Tycho's statlines. But along the same line of thinking/train of thought, it doesn't say "If DC Tycho is chosen, he cannot join his fellow Death Company members." We all know that DC Tycho should have the same caption that Lemartes has as far as "The Death Company may include Tycho."

 

Thank goodness I don't play in Tournaments, I'd never have any fun with you rules-lawyering blokes! B) Read between the lines that are clearly missing and have F-U-N. It's a hobby. These are T-O-Y-S. Relax a little bit. Or explain to everyone where else / how else is an army supposed to include DC Tycho?

[wookielips]

he's not. he's so mad he's unable to lead anything any longer, and must rage across the battlefield to smite the foe and die in glory.

[Sanguinarian]

he's not. he's so mad he's unable to lead anything any longer, and must rage across the battlefield to smite the foe and die in glory.

A.) I didn't say he "leads" I said he "joined" my DC.

 

B.) That seems miserably unorthodox to Blood Angel tradition, doesn't it? Moriar succombed to the Black Rage and was interred inside of a Dreadnought and joins the Death Company when they go to battle. Tycho succombs and Dante just lets him walk into the sunset alone? Then there is absolutely no use for him as a character in our Codex. He's useless walking across the board unable to hitch a ride, grab a jump pack or join his fellow DC. Let's say "if" this was the intention, does taking DC Tycho prohibit us from taking a DC since the limit is 0-1?

 

It doesn't even matter. This will be an endless conversation even if they fixed it in an FAQ.

 

How about we leave it at "I play my way, you play your way"? It doesn't matter which way is absolute as long as we spend the money and play the game. Who really cares anyway? :unsure: I don't care anymore. I'll just look at the pictures and leave the rules discussions to the people that get paid to play this game as a profession.

[Firedrake28]

#6 CORBULO

I used his Far-Seeing Eye in my last game for something uneventful, and The Red Grail saved my arse as he and 2 Tacticals survived 2 rounds of shooting enough to contest an objective on my last turn, but I've never seen Heaven's Teeth in action yet. Jury is falling asleep on him.

 

I've used Corbulo a few times and am always glad I took him. Every time his unit gets shot at with AP3 or worse weapons I'll allocate a wound to Corbs and why the heck not? With a 3+ armor save followed by a 2+ Feel No Pain save, there's precious little chance of him suffering a wound. As far as his actual fighting prowess goes, he's pretty ordinary. Heaven's Teeth is far from an awesome weapon, but it's certainly better than a normal close combat weapon. So far I've found Corbs to be pretty decent at chopping up lightly armored targets, but he struggles pretty severely against targets with armor better than 5+. It's helpful to have a model armed with a power fist or power weapon in the unit that Corbs joins so you can deal with tougher targets.

 

GABRIEL SETH

Not Ranked; don't own him; I'm not FT; but his write-up is VERY impressive!!!

 

Gave Seth a few tries now and he hasn't done a whole ton yet. Most of the time he ends up dying to a power fist or similar because despite his high number of Wounds he has no protection against Instant Death (not that that's really a bad thing - he'd be very expensive if he were an Eternal Warrior). Thus far, the best he's achieved is killed a number of Nobz from a Retinue (striking in I order with a weapon that inflicts Instant Death to T4 models is very nice when they have poor armor) and getting lucky once and knocking Dante out (was playing against a Blood Angels player). I'm not too impressed so far, but I'm going to keep trying to get Seth to work. I find the hardest part of using him is that so often the HQ slot he's worth I'd rather take a character that buffs the squad he's with like a Librarian or Reclusiarch.

[Ivanzypher]

Ah, back on topic, lovely :unsure: I've personally only used Tycho(regular variant) and even then only once. I stuck him with some sternguard, which was a pretty bad idea in retrospect, but his leadership of 10 on all your troops is tasty, especially if your dice hate you. He did manage to toast a Crisis Suit Team on turn 1 however. Anyway, he's basically a captain from 4th ed(Rites of Battle, Artificer armour) so if your thinking of using a captain and don't mind special characters, he's a fair choice. Still seems as though chappies and libbies are far superior in competitive play however. I'll personally be sticking to a plain old Captain mostly, fluffy lists FTW.

[Looted Monolith]

Master SETH is hands down our greatest hero, his un-usual weapon is the bane of 3+armor or worse enemy heroes.

He racks 4 wounds

he Bashes dreadnought brains out

can rend/land raider hunting

and he is pretty cheap.

 

I dont honestly see attraction to Tycho un crazy, and him crazy is useless without being able to join the death company.

 

Astroth is great Mefistion is great

 

Corburo is cute, but not worth 55pts extra

 

Dante is lame "will never fight at the side of one who tolerates Xenos scum" other than that he to is great.

[JamesI]

I've only used Astorath and that was only one game. Of course, with the luck I have for Red Thirst rolls, maybe he should return!

 

But, i really can't justify the extra cost of Astorath over a Reclusiarch.

[Priest33]

Having tested Astorath and Seth only i can say that for me Astorath has been a disapointment for his point cost so far. (having been poped by a vindicator.)

 

Seth on the other hand.. Lolwut?! For such a cheap model that can insta hit vehicals with a str 8 hit or str 9 if theres a priest around plus rending? bwhahahahah. Sure he has no EW but really im glad about that. To much EW as it is really.

 

(For thoes that dont understand what im saying WWoG states that any enemy model in base to base contact is insta hit. Doesnt state what type of models its restricted to. So a fast skimmer thats moved flat out and would usualy require a 6 to hit in melee is still insta hit by seth. Fun stuff!)

[Whitefireinferno]

Yeah so far the only experence with SC for us has been with Master Seth and I have to say he has now made my top killer in most my games thanks to unnatural luck with rending so IMO he is worth his 160 points. Last game I played he slaughterd 4 intact Nid warriors and mauled through roughly 60 small gribblys and a number of ork nobs he hands out 2 things lollypops and ass kickings and well he hasnt got lollypops under wargear.

 

*Oh andPreist33 Seth only benifits from the Int Bonus from FC due to Blood Reaver ALWAYS strikes at Str8 so no Str9 on the charge its no real loss he is still the most Epic thing in my books*

[Priest33]

Ah yeah true... cant remember if I played that wrong or not in the games ive used him but either way not a HUGE difference.

[Ranwulf]

Astorath with Seth. Weird but I thought of somenthing like this:

 

Seth with 4 Death Company and one Chaplain(tell you the truth, Seth will need some times to re-roll his hits...) + a Razorback and maybe power Weapons, you are good to go.

(Worked very well, not only killed a entire Terminator Squad, but also manage to slay a Nob squad)

 

Ran

[kollar]

Thank goodness I don't play in Tournaments, I'd never have any fun with you rules-lawyering blokes! :P Read between the lines that are clearly missing and have F-U-N. It's a hobby. These are T-O-Y-S. Relax a little bit. Or explain to everyone where else / how else is an army supposed to include DC Tycho?

 

Allright, time to bring this up again I see. DC Tycho cannot join -any- unit. He is -not- intended to join any unit. Below I'll explain list of proofs;

 

1) There is a precedent for "one man units" in the army, which are not Independent Characters.

 

2) He is not listed under the Death Company troop choice as Lemartes is, so he is -not- an upgrade character.

 

3) DC Tycho quite clearly is stated as having 'Fleet'. Fleet would be completely useless in a unit of Death Company, as the Death Company does not have 'Fleet'.

 

4) The only reason this is an issue, is because of a fluff blurb, stating "after his induction into the Death Company". Induction into the Death Company is not the same as joining a DC unit. Black Rage Dreadnoughts are also inducted into the Death Company, and thus become Death Company Dreadnoughts, but they are not part of the units either.

 

The above come together to summarise that DC Tycho was never intended to join any unit, his rules seem intended to "one man unit". To answer your question. A army would use DC Tycho as they would our other "one man units", as a one man unit, running on his own. The same way you would use Mephiston or the Sanguinor. This is incidentally why I've seen many people praise him to the skies on the wrong premises.

 

To the OP, sorry for going OT :)

[Theodus]

I've not used any of the characters yet, as my list is still in the frenzied writing phase of it's life. But owning Lemartes, Dante, Mephiston, Tycho and Astorath there is a high chance that they'll all get some use at one point or another. As far as DC Tycho goes, there is somewhat of a fluff background for him being a unit of one, I seem to remember that in the short story of his fall to the Black Rage he sprinted away from the rest of the Death Company around him and left them all behind, he fought on his own. Of course, in a story hoofing it away and butchering Orks is epic. In game hoofing it away means a lascannon or other painful weapon in the face and a swift return to the carrying case. That being said, crafty placement may be able to manoeuvre him blocked from sight (and blocking his sight) until he can be unleashed as it were...but it's a bit of a work around just to use crazy Tycho.

[SamaNagol]

Yes, Crazy Tycho is pretty rubbish with his T4.

[TrentL]

I can't agree that DC Tycho is not missing SOMETHING he's either missing as an upgrade to a shooty version of DC or he's missing Eternal warrior.

 

A single model with T4 is absolutely useless the first stray missile and its over, he has no survivability at all, and if your "Hiding" him he can't shoot things, he's certainly no melee combat monster ....

 

So in my mind you upgrade a Shooty DC with DC Tycho like the OP mentions, or he has eternal warrior. Or they take him out of the book and give us something else :D

[Brother Ariman]

I used the Sanguinor in a 2000 point match vs a deathwing army where he single-handedly tore threw belial and his squad 5 terminators, another squad of 5, and finally taking town a 3rd squad down to a single apothecary. All in all he made his points back and then some.

[kollar]

I can't agree that DC Tycho is not missing SOMETHING he's either missing as an upgrade to a shooty version of DC or he's missing Eternal warrior.

 

A single model with T4 is absolutely useless the first stray missile and its over, he has no survivability at all, and if your "Hiding" him he can't shoot things, he's certainly no melee combat monster ....

 

So in my mind you upgrade a Shooty DC with DC Tycho like the OP mentions, or he has eternal warrior. Or they take him out of the book and give us something else :rolleyes:

 

And yet the rules are quite clear on how to use him. Not like it would be the first time GW released a "bad" special character?

[TrentL]

And yet the rules are quite clear on how to use him. Not like it would be the first time GW released a "bad" special character?

 

And that's why I'll never use him other than friendly games when I ask my opponent up front. Because a T4 character without eternal warrior who is not an IC has no retinue etc just plane bites... I don't think anyone could convince me otherwise.

 

But just reading what Matt Ward "THOUGHT" was the Codex.... makes me wonder if these people read the finished product after they write them.