WeWillBuryYou Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 So an ex marine player friend of mine gave me 3 bikes he had laying around. I of course started thinking of a swiftclaw pack. Oh venerable long fangs, what should i do with these bikes? turn them into a swiftclaw squad? just make one into a lord on bike and wait til i get more bikes for the squad? any advice is appreciated, i have no past experience with bikes. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanyPrawny Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 I've used swift claws twice now and both times they've sucked though I put most of that down to myself. I've used a squad of 3 wolf guard bikers armed with frostblades twice and again due to my own suckness they've been useless (both times charged by dreadnoughts (damn blood angels fleet of foot) I have had great success with a wolf lord/ battle leader (depending on my points) armed with a frost blade though, hits hard and fast. I find a storm shield is useful for combat, I forgot my first game that the inv save from the turbo boost doesn't count in combat :/ Hope that helps somehow. Can't see how it would though lol. Play test is all I can advise. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466311 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CainTheHunter Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 I've been using lots of bikes in my old 13th Company list. Though they were Stormclaws bikers with all the consequences... Swiftclaws definitely have their use but You have to plan in advance Your list with them, not just stuck them in if You have some spare points. If You want to compare them with TWC, thunderwolves are better at what they do. Swiftclaws are not cheap as well, since You need a wolf guard or wolf priest with them - in order to maximise their effectiveness. Also, and attack bike with heavy bolter is a must. You can of course try to give them multimelta and meltaguns, but given their BS 3, I'd rather stick flamer and heavy bolter. They are good for harassing and supporting droppoding staff or scouts, since after turboboost they can be near them on the same turn and combine charges. I'd image them in a fast moving flanking list as objective takers/contesters with Thunderwolves and Land Speeders in addition to lots of GH troops in Rhinos/Razorbacks. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466321 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Token Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 Bikes with a runepriest should be good at countering magic, since they can turoboost to get within range of enemy casters.. Does Blood Angel dreadnoughts have fleet? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466350 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanyPrawny Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 Apparently. That rune priest set up seems abit risky though, suppose it could be worth it though given some psychic powers. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466356 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bikeninja Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 I have some extra bikes and was thinking of doing some Wolf Guard on bikes. Could be a tough little unit if done right. Expensive for certain. Anybody played with any? I guess while I'm at it what about some of the IC's on bikes. Anybody done that and had success? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466407 Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiltedMarine Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 If you're going to play Swiftclaws, definitely bulk the unit out to at least 5 bikers and a WGPL. They're great tank hunters if equipped with PF, meltagun and meltabombs. Give the WGPL a TH, and whatever you do, don't get bogged down in close combat with walkers. Don't ask me how I learned the last bit- the memories are still hurtful. :yes: Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466670 Share on other sites More sharing options...
stinkenheim Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 I run a unit of swiftclaws. 3 bikers, 1 attack bike and if i have points WGPL. The squad has one power fist, flamer and wolf claw + melta bombs on the WGPL. I use the to harass small enemy units, with the high T and fair amount of firepower they can pack a punch. Or else I target a vehicle that I think will cause me problems (vindicators/demolishers for instance) and use them as a sacrificial unit, turboboosting into position before launching an assault (usually on turn 2). With a fair number of hig str attacks (kak grenades/melta and fist) they usually destroy the vehicle. If they then survive the ensuing round of shooting bonus, if not they have done a job for me. They are by no means a superb unit but I find they get overlooked in favour of more deadly units and work pretty well as a smash and grab unit which fits their fluff. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466733 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glimpse the Void Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 ::double post:: Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466759 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glimpse the Void Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 @BikeNinja: I thought about mounting WG on bikes in my Wolfwing army. Grimnar would make them scoring unit. At the end of the day, this unit is just ludicrously expensive and it is hard to picture them accomplishing deeds heroic enough to justify the expense. @Stinkenheim: How much does your "sacrificial unit" run you? Also, do you find yourself disappointed equipping them with a meltagun with BS 3? Do you go melta or keep the bolter on your attack bike? You don't give meltabombs to the whole squad? Is one reliable enough to count on against most vehicles? I am thinking of adding a pack to my drop podding wolf guard termies. I hope I will be able to find a unit that compliments the existing army. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466760 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blitzkreig Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 @BikeNinja: I thought about mounting WG on bikes in my Wolfwing army. Grimnar would make them scoring unit. At the end of the day, this unit is just ludicrously expensive and it is hard to picture them accomplishing deeds heroic enough to justify the expense. I don't know I used them in one game and a unit of Bikers riding through a horde of Gaunts before attacking the Swarmlord who was about to kill Grimnar felt pretty heroic..... or course my unit cost me over 800 points (10 Wolf Guard on Bikes with Dual Thunder Hammers) so I get where you are coming from (even though they killed 1400 points of Tyranid Monstrous Creatures alone). Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466765 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glimpse the Void Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 Blitz, You gave your WG twin hammers? That sounds like my kind of crazy. Sounds like they made their points back for sure. Any reason you only used them in one game? Do have any pictures of these bug smashing psycho paths? Any body else ever try WG on bikes? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466864 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blitzkreig Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Blitz, You gave your WG twin hammers? That sounds like my kind of crazy. Sounds like they made their points back for sure. Any reason you only used them in one game? Do have any pictures of these bug smashing psycho paths? Any body else ever try WG on bikes? Every time I take a Power Armoured Wolf Guard squad, one member is packing his Hammers... just because it is awesome to watch him dismantle anything and everything that he touches.... Only used them once because at 83 points a model they weren't really practical.... especially with one wound and no invulnerable. I'll try and get pictures up but I suck with my computer so it may be a while... Edit: Or it may be 103 points a model, I havn't got my codex at the moment so I'm not sure. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466869 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heimdall Skullcrusher Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Do the upgrades for flamer/melta gun/etc apply to an attack bike or just standard bikers? From reading the rules attack bikers are allowed to fire 2 weapons so it seems like they would be able to make the most of the upgrade. Sorry for the thread deviation... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466882 Share on other sites More sharing options...
the akratic Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 I started to us a unit of swift claws and I've been really impressed. The unit is 5 swift claws, one with flamer, one with a power-weapon. Then I attach a WGPL with a fist, and a wolf priest. The unit gets a boatload of attacks, lots of them form special weapons like the fist and power weapons. It'll pretty reliably destroy most units you can throw it at. Plus, not many wolves players use swift claws, which to me makes them very cool. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466958 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Mage Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 So an ex marine player friend of mine gave me 3 bikes he had laying around. I of course started thinking of a swiftclaw pack. Oh venerable long fangs, what should i do with these bikes? turn them into a swiftclaw squad? just make one into a lord on bike and wait til i get more bikes for the squad? any advice is appreciated, i have no past experience with bikes. Yeah, theyre great- as long as they have a leash. I use them as a rapid-response force, wherever the enemy is coming, theyre only a turn away from the fight. Twin Linked means theyre fire is about as accurate as a GHs, and is helpful. And of course, T5 is wonderful, particularly when theyre likely to get the charge. I usually run 4, with an Attack Bike and a Rune Priest or a WGBL- the RP helps alot with his runic staff having more mobility than my footslogging version, but isnt as helpful on the assault of course. In a 2k game Ill run 6+AB with no qualms. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466961 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valerian Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Blitz, You gave your WG twin hammers? That sounds like my kind of crazy. Sounds like they made their points back for sure. Any reason you only used them in one game? Do have any pictures of these bug smashing psycho paths? Any body else ever try WG on bikes? Every time I take a Power Armoured Wolf Guard squad, one member is packing his Hammers... just because it is awesome to watch him dismantle anything and everything that he touches.... Only used them once because at 83 points a model they weren't really practical.... especially with one wound and no invulnerable. Instead of giving both Hammers to one guy you could give one Hammer to two guys. Then you'd pay the same cost in upgrades, get more attacks, and would have two wounds instead of just one. Valerian Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466966 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hackbar Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Blitz, You gave your WG twin hammers? That sounds like my kind of crazy. Sounds like they made their points back for sure. Any reason you only used them in one game? Do have any pictures of these bug smashing psycho paths? Any body else ever try WG on bikes? Every time I take a Power Armoured Wolf Guard squad, one member is packing his Hammers... just because it is awesome to watch him dismantle anything and everything that he touches.... Only used them once because at 83 points a model they weren't really practical.... especially with one wound and no invulnerable. Instead of giving both Hammers to one guy you could give one Hammer to two guys. Then you'd pay the same cost in upgrades, get more attacks, and would have two wounds instead of just one. Valerian 1 tank is worth one tank, but 2 tanks working together is worth 4 tanks. A guy with one thunder hammer looks as awesome as a guy with one thunder hammer, but a guy with two thunder hammers is as awesome as four guys with one thunder hammer each. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2466988 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blitzkreig Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Blitz, You gave your WG twin hammers? That sounds like my kind of crazy. Sounds like they made their points back for sure. Any reason you only used them in one game? Do have any pictures of these bug smashing psycho paths? Any body else ever try WG on bikes? Every time I take a Power Armoured Wolf Guard squad, one member is packing his Hammers... just because it is awesome to watch him dismantle anything and everything that he touches.... Only used them once because at 83 points a model they weren't really practical.... especially with one wound and no invulnerable. Instead of giving both Hammers to one guy you could give one Hammer to two guys. Then you'd pay the same cost in upgrades, get more attacks, and would have two wounds instead of just one. Valerian Its a fluff thing.... believe me he has earned those bad boys. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2467079 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raulmichile Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 I use a 3 man unit with meltagun accompained by a WG with power fist. Cheap, expendable kamikaze unit which role is to destroy the nearest or the most dangerous vehicle/dreadnought in the opponent army and as other said before, if they survive, they then go and cause as much havoc as they can. The secret here is the leash, as long as the WG is alive, the unit is reliable; if he is dead, well, you will have a meltagun that won't use the extra penetration die any more when shooting and at BS 3 you can't eally expect something spectacular... even in hth as the unit is very small and underequipped to do something of worth. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2467455 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glimpse the Void Posted July 23, 2010 Share Posted July 23, 2010 I can't stop thinking about this unit. Despite so many draw backs, and staggering cost it would be such a cool unit. As I mentioned, I've only just started my Space Wolf Terminator army, and I think this will be the next unit to add. If i put WG on bikes, they count as scoring units and have access to all kinds of crazy gear. I can give them 4x Combi meltas or flamers, or 2 and 2. I could do 4x plasma and run some nasty drive bys. I can gear them up to be combat monsters with wolf claws or powerfist. I'd attach a hard core character, with the warrior born when I can afford. His bike would be a pain dispenser. I was on the fence about this, but this thread has made my mind up for me. I've been reminded that I play this game for cool stuff, not maximum efficiency. It has taken me way to long to pick up space wolves! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2470393 Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKAwolf Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 just make one into a lord on bike and wait til i get more bikes for the squad? Wolf Lord on a Thunder Wolf Mount or bust, let the other chapter masters ride toys how ever Priests to accompany the Claws can be of use Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2471059 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Johnson the 3rd jr Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 Twin Linked means theyre fire is about as accurate as a GHs, and is helpful. And of course, T5 is wonderful, particularly when theyre likely to get the charge. I am a bit slow. I can't for the life of me find anything in the Space Wolves codex which says Swiftclaws get twin-linked anything. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2471455 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blitzkreig Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 Twin Linked means theyre fire is about as accurate as a GHs, and is helpful. And of course, T5 is wonderful, particularly when theyre likely to get the charge. I am a bit slow. I can't for the life of me find anything in the Space Wolves codex which says Swiftclaws get twin-linked anything. Space Marine Bikes come with a twin linked bolter, Swiftclaws ride Space Marine Bikes. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2471492 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Wilhelm Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 Space Marine Bikes come with a twin linked bolter, Swiftclaws ride Space Marine Bikes. bs 3 = 50% bs 4 = 66.7% bs 3 tl = 75% a nice increase for accuracy - but the need that leash to use the shooting pre-charge ;) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/206740-swiftclaw-biker-packs/#findComment-2471502 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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