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1500pt Doubles Tournament


DarkGuard

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Hi all. At the end of this month me and my friend will be going to a regional 40K Doubles Tournament. We are determined to win this, as there is some rivalry between the stores, and I am confident that we have a shot at it, provided we cover all the bases. Now the rules are that we have 750pts each, and must take at least 1 HQ and 1 Troops each. Elites, FA and HS are limited to only one per team, unless you have a unit in each one of these, in which case you can take a second from each and so on. Now this does prove a challenge, as you are enforced into taking two HQs at 1500pts, and you need an even spread of specialist units to get more of them. However, the major problem for me is getting the two forces to gel. Now, I'm a Codex Space Marines player, whereas my friend is a Blood Angels player. I have no problem with letting him take the fast hitty stuff, it's what BA do best. However, I'm having trouble trying to think of support for my Marines.

 

For reference this is what he's taking:

Libby w/ Blood Lance and Unleash Rage = 100pts

5 man Assault squad with power fist = 125pts

Furiouso Dreadnought w Blood Talons and extra armour = 140pts

Baal Pred w/ flamestorm cannon and heavy flamers = 140pts

Storm Raven w/ TL-LC, TL-MM, hurricane bolters and extra armour = 245pts

 

Total = 750pts.

 

So he's got a hard hitting force there. The Assault squad can do some damage with the Libby, although I may suggest to him to drop the jump packs and take more men, although that would mean dropping the Baal. The Dread, Assault squad and Libby would be going in the Storm Raven, while the Baal Pred either outflanks or scout moves into a good position before flaming infantry out of cover. Its close assault power isn't bad, and its spend is very good, although its anti-tank isn't too amazing, although the Storm Raven could be handy.

 

I was thinking of supplementing his list with something like this:

 

Pedro = 175pts

5 man Sternguard squad w/ heavy flamer, 3 combi-meltas and Rhino w/ dozer blade = 190pts

10 man Tactical squad w/ flamer, multi-melta and Rhino = 205pts

2 Typhoons = 180pts

 

Total = 750pts.

 

Now I thought of this for a couple of reasons. First, Pedro gives us another scoring unit, and one that can pull its weight in a fire fight. He can also provide another power fist, OB, and his attack aura would be handy for his Assault squad (and hopefully give him more reason to have 10). The Sternguard are a favourite of mine, and this small squad can handle infantry and tanks alike, while their Rhino means they'll get to where they are needed. The Tactical squad is pure midfield support, and gives us bodies on the ground. The Typhoons help out the Storm Raven with long-ranged anti-tank, especially as the Storm Raven will be more useful up close.

 

However, I have just got a new Vulkan model, and was tempted to try him out. In this case the Tactical squad would get a combi-flamer, the Sternguard squad would get another heavy flamer, and the Typhoons would become MM/HF Speeders. Now while this would be very powerful, his power doesn't extend to my friend's list. However, his combat prowess would help the Assault squad, and the Speeders are a reliable source of fast melta. The Sternguard and Tactical squad also get a lot nastier. However, we would loose a scoring unit, as well as the long-ranged firepower of the Typhoons. I'm not sure how much we'll need them though, considering the Storm Raven, but they are handy. However, the amount of twin-linked melta in the combined list is quite scary, and up close we should dominate. This would turn my list from support, to being able to assault on its own if needed.

 

The other option is a Libby with two combi-flamer, flamer, MM, Rhino squads and the Typhoons. This would leave me with 40pts left, but with nowhere to put the Libby (maybe his SR), and the inability to do anything meaningful with those 40pts as they can't be transferred.

 

So my main dilemma at the moment is choosing between taking Vulkan and powering my own list up at the expense of long-ranged support for us both, or taking Pedro and playing it safer, but also having a weaker list that is pure support. The question here is what would seem better, the one that supports his list, or the one that still supports his list but can stand on its own as well. I like both of them, but I feel that the first list leaves us with not enough melta, and the second with not enough long-ranged. Of course, the absence of the Typhoons isn't significant if we can close the distance.

 

I've put this in this forum as well as I don't feel it's an army list question as such, but rather a tactical analysis of two army list ideas and how they would fit together in a competitive environment. Thank you in advance for your help.

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Is this for the SW and Wales event? If that is the case give up hope of winning now... your fate has already been decided!

 

I think the best advice I could give is talk things through with your partner and make your 1,500pt list together rather than thinking of them as 2 750 lists. Now you have been thinking about how things could work together and that is good and I'm not going to tell yopu what to put in your list :D try making up some lists from other codices and ask yourself if you would have problems facing them.

I'm afraid not, it's a Triple Crown tournament which is for the south east of England, so my fate hasn't quite been decided yet ;).

 

We've had a chat recently about it again, and I figured that if he took the Baal out and I took the Sternguard out I could take all my Speeders (2 MM/HF and 2 Typhoons). Add in a Tactical squad and Vulkan and I'm sorted. Furthermore, his list would get more Assault Marines and a Sanguinary Priest. So this gives us a fast assault transport with two hard combat units. A unit of 9 Assault Marines with power fist, with a Sanguinary Priest, Libby with Unleash Rage and Vulkan backed up by a Furioso with blood talons and carve through anything. Meanwhile, the Typhoons give some much needed anti-range while the MM/HF Speeders are fast melta, and the Tactical squad is an objective holders squad and midfield support.

 

However, we are worried about the idea of that Storm Raven unit. It's a lot eggs in an armour 12 basket, so I've suggested having a Razorback squad instead of a Rhino squad and putting the Libby with them. It's a headache, but it's a good headache :).

 

EDIT:

At the moment the roles have reversed and it's my friend's list that's having problems fitting with my support. His main concern is the fragility of the SR, and so he's opted for an LRR instead, and he gets a discount thanks to remove jump packs. He's also dropping the Dread, allowing him to take a las Pred, but I'll try and catch him before he builds it and suggest a combi-pred instead.

 

Meanwhile I've settled so far for Vulkan, a full strength Tactical squad with flamer, combi-flamer, power fist, MM in Rhino, a squadron of two Typhoons and a squadron of two MM/HF Speeders. As his Assault squad is 9 man, Vulkan will ride with them, the Libby and the Priest, giving us a very powerful combat unit. The Priest gives us FnP and Furious Charge, so that's an even tougher Vulkan with S7 and I6 on the charge. Plus his Libby will have Unleash Rage, which will mean we will hit a lot. The unit boasts a relic blade, power fist and force weapon in all, so it should make a mess of things. The Tactical squad will support midfield, the MM/HF Speeders hunt tanks, and the Pred and Typhoons are the source of our long-range firepower, quite potent as well considering the Pred is a fast vehicle.

 

Still need to playtest this, but we're excited about this. The one thing I would consider doing, however, is dropping the MM/HF and putting Sternguard in instead, and possibly running Vulkan with them. That'll let him take 10 Assault Marines, and the Sternguard would be of the heavy flamer and combi-melta variety. If I did this though I would have to take a small 5 man Tactical squad in las plas Razorback to compensate, so it comes down to whether I want the damage of the Sternguard or the larger number of scoring units.

I'd way rather have Pedro than Vulcan if you're planning on including a BA assault squad. The extra attacks are very worth it. However, I really don't know that I'd go in the direction you're showing. I'd really consider a combined approach. Take advantage of the fact that Priests are a single Elites slot for up to 3 models. In fact, let me make up a quick list to show what I'm talking about.

 

BA

 

Libby w/UR and Shield

 

Priest, Priest w/bike

 

Assault Squad x10, melta x2, pweap, meltabombs, rhino

 

Assault Squad x5, pweap, razorback w/heavy flamers

 

Combi-pred

 

 

Vanilla

 

Pedro

 

Tacs x10, pweap, flamer, plasma cannon, rhino

 

Scouts x10, pfist

 

Bikers x3, melta x2, pfist, AB w/mm

 

Now in this case, Pedro goes with the small BA squad and tries to keep near the assault elemnents to privide the extra attacks. Libby and infantry priest go with the vanilla tacs, making them nastier and shielding stuff until assault. BA biker priest goes with the bikes, they can turbo-boost around providing bubbles to whomever needs it, and charge in for a bit of extra power if necessary. Scouts come in near pedro/priest bubbles and assault something. You'll have lots of claiming power as well. I wouldn't worry quite as much about heavy vehicles with the restrictions of the tourney, and with all the melta here you should be fine anyways.

 

Now that's a fun looking list! It might be a bit hard to play with two players, as it really relies on keeping together and supporting each other. Communication would be key.

 

 

On the other hand, if you wanted something very point-and-click where you wouldn't be relying on your teammate to work with you, I'd try going very mech. You ought to be able to fit 3 preds in a BA list with those restrictions, and maybe a vindi and a couple of typhoons for the vanilla. Basic troops in razorbacks would finish the job.

The main problem with your list is that I don't have any bikers and hate them. Just don't like painting them. However, I can see where you're coming from, and Pedro can be more useful, especially as he allows Sternguard squads as troops. We have been considering Rhino and Razor spam, but unfortunately he doesn't have many Rhinos and Razors, instead his transports or more of the Land Raider and Storm Raven variety. With only limited time and money we can't do much chopping and changing.

 

However, he's been thinking of this force:

Libby w/ UR and BL (I'll mention Shield to him though)

9/10 man Assault squad, no jump packs, power fist and LRR w/ extra armour and MM.

Sang Priest.

Combi-pred (I hope).

 

That's some long-ranged firepower, and a hard combat unit, hopefully with a couple of meltas if he can fit them in.

 

Going by the idea of Pedro, I could take something like this:

Pedro.

9 Sternguard w/ 2x heavy flamers, 3x combi-meltas in Rhino.

5 Scouts with snipers, HB and cloaks.

2 Typhoons.

 

I really want the Typhoons as they've done well recently and are an excellent source of fast anti-tank and anti-infantry firepower. The Scouts are just an objective sitter squad, and 100pts isn't much in dead weight. The Sternguard and Pedro can then support his Assault squad. I will agree with you that Pedro would probably benefit the Assault squad better through his +1 attack aura, but then Vulkan would be a hard nut to crack with FnP and give a deadly combat character while making my support elements more deadly with their weapons. Like I've said, it's a headache, but it's an interesting and welcome one. Ultimately we really need to playtest and practise, but as I'm at uni until the start of next week that's proving difficult. We have a week to practise, but that might not be long enough, but we'll see.

Just my 2 cents both the storm raven and the land raider are too expensive at this point level and with only one it is just not worth it. Also, do your abilities stack/can you benefit from your partners abilities? IF so I think Pedro is a very good buy, and a sanguinary priest is an auto include.
Just my 2 cents both the storm raven and the land raider are too expensive at this point level and with only one it is just not worth it. Also, do your abilities stack/can you benefit from your partners abilities? IF so I think Pedro is a very good buy, and a sanguinary priest is an auto include.

 

I would tend to agree with you on the first point, we have been thinking of Rhino or Razor spam or something. And the abilities do stack, so Pedro and Sang Priest would be good. However, Vulkan doesn't benefit my partner, so it would only affect half our list and obv his combat abilities.

 

EDIT:

 

after thinking some more about it we're going Razor spam, and we quite like the look of it. My friend is taking this:

Libby = 100pts powers aren't decided, I've suggested lance and shield

Assault squad: 5 men w/ meltagun in Razorback w/ assault cannon = 165pts

Assault squad: 5 men w/ meltagun in Razorback w/ assault cannon = 165pts

Assault squad: 5 men w/ meltagun in Razorback w/ assault cannon = 165pts

Vindicator w/ siege shield = 155pts

 

And I'm taking this:

Pedro = 175pts

Sternguard: 5 men w/ two heavy flamers in Razorback w/ las plas turret = 220pts

Tactical squad: 5men w/ combi-flamer in Razorback w/ las plas turret = 175pts

2 Typhoons = 180pts

 

Pedro still makes the list because if he can take a central position he can help out any squad that gets knocked out of their transport. That and there are other reasons which I will elaborate on later. With these lists we have psychic defence, and we have a lot of vehicles. The Assault squads have meltas that can knock out enemy vehicles, while zooming around in assault cannon Razorbacks. The Vindicator as usual is deadly when it hits, but is better as a fire magnet.

 

My list has some long-ranged firepower in the Typhoons and las plas Razorbacks. Pedro makes the Sternguard scoring, which is always a good thing, and they present some horrible short-ranged firepower. The Tactical squad sits back more and covers the forward squads. I was thinking of taking a Libby and two Tactical squads instead, and that would leave me with 120pts. But I have no idea what I could spend that on that would be worthwhile. It would need to be from Elite or Troops, and for 120pts you can't get much from Elites. Perhaps I could drop a combi-flamer and take a Rifleman? I think this is looking better, as they slot well together, and our opponents will have to handly 5 Razorbacks, 2 Speeders and a Vindy. We have a lot of speed and a lot of killing power, and we both like the idea of this list.

@ Myst, yeah there should be, I'd just drop a combi-flamer, they're not essential. Would the Rifleman be better than the Sternguard though? They do different things. Sternguard would destroy infantry while the Dread would help the Typhoons open tanks. And would Null Zone be better than Pedro's aura in this list?

 

@ breng77, I will let him now. Blood Lance is a cool power, but I can see how Fear could be good. Even against Marines they're testing on Ld7, could be deadly when used at the right time. And a 5+ cover save could be invaluable.

 

So my finished list could be this:

Libby w/ Null Zone and Avenger = 100pts

Tactical squad w/ combi-flamer and Razorback w/ las plas = 175pts

Tactical squad w/ Razorback w/ las plas = 165pts

Rifleman Dread = 125pts

2x Typhoons = 180pts

 

The other idea I've had is to take two Riflemans and have one MM AB, but then that wouldn't be too good IMO, and would be handing KPs away.

I like that list better. The rifleman seems better than a 5-man sternguard. You were taking 2x heavy flamers anyway so you were only going to have 3 guys with special ammo. With the small squads and the firepower coming from vehicles (razorbacks, typhoons, rifleman) I think that you aren't losing a lot going from sternies to tacticals. You should still be pretty good against infantry with all the assault canons and you actually have a fair amount of bodies in lots of little squads. I imagine against most opponents you'll play this wierd distance game...advance within 24" and try to stay at 24" as long as possible keeping the range open as long as possible and then charge once they are weak enough. Should be pretty fun. You have enough long range shooting to make most MEQs want to come to you, and you'l have enough close combat to be able to close on the really scary armies. and 8 vehicles takes a lot to knock out in a wierd format like this with relatively low points and a 2x HQ requirement. Means almost all armies will have at least 200 points in HQ and there shouldn't be a whole ton of super killy stuff.

 

-Myst

I like the way the list has evolved and I think razorback spam should work nicely (its not something i personally like) plenty of firepower that compliments small squads. Its almost like a series of mini tanks rolling in, you've got plenty of decent weapons to shred most enemies so im liking it!

Cheers Myst, I think we both preferred the idea of this list as well. We've just made a couple of adjustments though which makes them a bit better IMO, but means we miss out on the rifleman. So the new list which I think we've settled on:

 

Blood Angels:

Libby w/ Fear of Darkness and Shield of Sanguinius = 100pts

 

2x Sanguinary Priests = 100pts

 

5 Assault Marines w/ meltagun and power fist in Razorback w/ TL-assault cannon = 190pts

 

5 Assault Marines w/ meltagun and power weapon in Razorback w/ TL-assault cannon = 180pts

 

5 Assault Marines w/ meltagun and power weapon in Razorback w/ TL-assault cannon = 180pts

 

Total = 750pts

 

 

Space Marines:

Libby w/ Null Zone and Avenger = 100pts

 

5 Tactical Marines w/ combi-flamer in Razorback w/ TL-plasma gun and lascannon = 175pts

 

5 Tactical Marines w/ combi-flamer in Razorback w/ TL-plasma gun and lascannon = 175pts

 

2 Typhoons = 180pts

 

Vindicator w/ dozer blade = 120pts

 

Total = 750pts

 

 

So these lists fit well together, the Blood Angels being assault based, getting forward, while my list can support them. The main differences here is that there is no Rifleman, with there being assault upgrades and Sanguinary Priests, while the Vindicator is no longer fast. However, we discussed it, and agreed that for our little squads, the Priests would be invaluable, as they make them much more durable and I get the benefits as well. Furthermore, with his assault elements they benefit them immensely with FC. The power weapons and power fists also mean that a massed charge should put a dent in most things. The meltaguns also help with the hopefully few LRs that would be seen.

 

The support comes from the las plas Razorbacks, the Typhoons and Vindy. Now, we've all heard of Razorback spam, but often they're all assault cannons or all las plas. I reckon it'll be interesting with this list as we've got a 3:2 ratio these weapons, which means they can cover each other. The las plas sit in backfield and midfield, whereas the assault cannons operate in midfield and frontfield. The Typhoons along with the lascannons gives some good solid anti-tank firepower, and Typhoons can take apart infantry as well. The Libby is also handy support with Avenger and Null Zone, and expands our psychic defence.

 

The one thing I'm not so sure about is the Vindicator. Now this can be powerful and devastating when it hits, and is first and foremost a fire magnet. With the Vindy and the fast Razorbacks our opponents should be split over what to shoot. If they ignore one the others can hit like a ton of bricks. And I'm confident that this would let the long-range support elements do their job uninterrupted. The Typhoons in particular have been impressive in my recent games. However, I am considering as to whether a combi-pred would be better to replace the Rifleman, or even a dakka pred which are more reliable than Vindys. However, I don't have Preds, only Vindys, and I'm not too sure if I'd have the money for the Preds.

 

So, what do you guys think of our finished list?

I like it , works nicely together , only query would be the inclusion of the vindicator , what are your plans/purpose for it?

 

Plans and purpose for the Vindicator is to have it as a fire magnet, drawing fire away from the more vulnerable Razorbacks and Typhoons. No one likes a Vindicator, and our opponents can ignore it, though at their own peril. And if they do target it, it allows the rest of our forces to carry on unmolested. Personally I'd prefer a Rifleman, but we can't fit it in with the Sanguinary Priests and they would be preferred. The handy thing with the Vindy is that used properly it can protect objectives, it can take out tanks, infantry, anything really. We've got two Typhoons, lascannons and to a lesser extent assault cannons for knocking out transports, the Vindy gives us a hard hitting shot that can take out Terminator squads if it hits.

 

A combi-pred or even dakka pred is being considered, but I would have little use for a combi-pred after this one tournament, with my own 1500pt list normally having at least two Rifleman Dreads or Typhoons for anti-infantry. I may consider a dakka pred though, as I have played about with the idea of using one and it can still take out tanks. Not sure what I would use the extra 35pts for though, probably extra armour as I can't do much with them. The main problem is money, I won't know if I'll be able to take something like a Pred until closer to the tournament, but if I have to take a Vindy it won't be the end of the world.

 

Another thing I've just thought of is trying to get a budget Captain and a quad-plasma Command squad in a las plas Razorback instead of one of the Tact squads and the Vindy. The Command squad's plasma guns will be more reliable at taking out troops than the demo cannon, and I could have 5 plasma shots coming from that one shot. The drawbacks are the loss of a scoring unit, the loss of target saturation and a very powerful shot, and a big sign with 'shoot me' pointing at one of our Razorbacks. I think our current force benefits from it being hard to decide what to shoot at, if I put the quad-plasma gun Command squad in that's no longer the case. On the up side, however, they are an incredibly effective and efficient squad that can act as a counter unit to some of the big things in an opponent's army with more reliance than a Vindy (8 possibly 10 plasma shots vs one scattering big blast).

Command squad sounds like a better idea. You already have 3 scoring units with the blood angels, plus your one forced choice so scoring units will be fine.

 

True, the one thing I'm not sure about is the wording of what we need to have. This isn't the official Doubles Tournament, rather its one that the region is putting on for those who couldn't go to the Doubles for whatever reason, and so we're using their rules pack. My store manager said one Elites, Fast Attack and Heavy Support between you, but you need one of each before you add a second. That makes it sound as if having one Elite, one Fast Attack but no Heavy Support is fine. The pack though makes it sound like you need one of each, in which case I wouldn't be able to take a Command squad. The choice comes down to a Vindicator or Dev squad if I haven't got the money, or a Pred if I do have the money. I'll check with him next time I'm at the store.

I disagree. Not a fan of command squad here. I think I like the latest list you came up with. You already have FMP bubbles and plasmaguns instead of demolisher canon is not too great of a trade-off if you ask me. If you wanted a captain instead of a libby then that would be the only reason I might consider this option.

 

-Myst

I disagree. Not a fan of command squad here. I think I like the latest list you came up with. You already have FMP bubbles and plasmaguns instead of demolisher canon is not too great of a trade-off if you ask me. If you wanted a captain instead of a libby then that would be the only reason I might consider this option.

 

-Myst

 

Also true, it was a just an idea that came when I was tired. The big problem with the Command squad is that the Vindicator is great as bullet magnet, it really scares people, while the Razorbacks are good because they are cheap and don't appear to be threatening. I doubt I'd have money for a Pred though so it's either the extra vehicle or the plasma guns, and at the moment I'm leaning towards the extra vehicle. That and Null Zone with a Vindy (and plasma guns) can be invaluable.

 

EDIT: I think in the end it would come down to how the playtesting goes in the week building up. If the Vindy seems to do well then we'll keep it. If we need a better counter to elite units and MCs then the Captain and plasma Command squad would be an idea.

interesting thread...you got a final list yet? :D

 

(personally id go shooty and plasma heavy to complement the blood angels assaulting ability-but thats just my initial thought!)

 

rough 750pt list

 

librarian

 

dread with plasma cannon

 

vindicator

 

2 ten man tactical squads with plasma guns and plasma cannons

 

50 points left over to get a melta attack bike, speeder or maybe a pod for the dread?

 

Is this any good?

interesting thread...you got a final list yet? :)

 

(personally id go shooty and plasma heavy to complement the blood angels assaulting ability-but thats just my initial thought!)

 

rough 750pt list

 

librarian

 

dread with plasma cannon

 

vindicator

 

2 ten man tactical squads with plasma guns and plasma cannons

 

50 points left over to get a melta attack bike, speeder or maybe a pod for the dread?

 

Is this any good?

 

 

The previous lists with Msu were better suited to such a small points size

@ belisarius, as much as I'd like to take something approaching to the core of my 1500pts force, it's simply unfeasible because of the all the points restrictions. In the end, I think the most recent list I've posted in full is the most way to go, as it floods the table with lots of small mechanised units that flood your opponent's target decisions while being able to a put a bit of damage out themselves. When you consider that over half of those vehicles are fast, with two of them being skimmers, then we have a fast army that can isolate vulnerable parts of our opponent's fast and systematically dismantle it. Of course, we're going to need a lot of communication, but considering we're mates and have a lot of respect for one another I can't see that being a problem. In the end, we're there to have fun, and I'm sure it'll be a good day.

 

@ Grim, sorry I didn't see your post earlier, we must have been writing at the same time but I took a long time, probably because I was discussing armies with my mate and on Army Builder putting the finishing touches. I agree with you on the evolution on the list, my friend remarked on how remarkable it was that it started as a Storm Raven with a little support to Razor spam, but we're both happy with the finished product.

Well my original idea was to do the same thing as you, but I had trouble packing in the things I felt I needed. IMO a pair of Typhoons is needed, as they bring fantastic long-range firepower. The obviously you need a big Tactical squad. But then you need to try and fit in a Libby and some Sternguard to make it really shooty, and in that instance it seemed a bit top heavy and didn't do much in the actual supporting part. I feel the Razorspam is the only one that's looked good, so at the moment that's our final list. We both like the idea of trying out a quad plasma Command squad, but I'm uneasy at leaving a Vindicator or equivalent at home, not for it's power, but for its target saturation.

 

Actually, a quick vote. What do you reckon would work better in this list? The Vindicator for bullet magnet and potential destruction, or a combi-pred for increased anti-tank and anti-MC while keeping saturation up? At the moment I'm fine with the Vindicator, but I have been considering the combi-pred. Of course, I would have to buy it, paint it, magnetize it....

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