Flight of the Stormraven

[iamnothere]

2 things we miss in our lists are lac cannons and multimeltas so that's how I run mine - and how I intend to run my second one too.

[Lord Sirrion]

Yeah, I understand that, but I was thinking that in a way the typhoon is more useful than the melta. The typhoon can still pop armor, yet from much farther away. It can also take out swarms of infantry. The lascannon is obviously anti-armor, but the plasma cannon gives us rare AP 2, good for termie death, and can still take out armor on occasion.

 

I guess the difference is if you're running dedicated anti-armor, anti-infantry, or a mix.

[number6]

IMHO, there are two optimal loadouts for Stormravens in GK armies.

 

1. twin-linked multimelta, twin-linked lascannon turret, hurricane bolter sponsons

 

2. twin-linked multimelta, twin-linked assault cannon turret

 

As useful as the Typhoon missiles are, the raven already comes with four awesome anti-infantry missiles. And the TLMM is a superior tank-hunting weapon by far. Besides, don't we already have psyflemen for that long-range Str 8 goodness? The stormraven is one of the GK army's most likely units to be in the enemy's face. The TLMM is one of the few places we can get melta weapons, and it's reliable, and it's on a platform that can use it quickly and reliably. And it's a free upgrade! (Whereas the Typhoon missile launcher has to be paid for.) I can see no reason for ever taking anything other than the TLMM for the primary hull weapon.

 

So really the loadout question to me comes down to: what to pair with the TLMM? If points are sparse, I take the TL AssCan. It's a versatile weapon capable of popping light armor and tearing up infantry. This makes sure the Stormraven is capable of tackling any type of enemy unit: be it MC, armour, or infantry.

 

If you've got 30 pts to spare, I take the TLLC turret and hurricane bolter sponsons. Again, this ensures that the stormraven continues to be capable of shredding either armour, MC hides, or infantry. But the TLLC adds an extra anti-tank weapon, as well as an added dimension of longer range. You can TLMM targets up close, and use the machine spirit to target units virtually anywhere else on the table. Very useful!

 

I will admit that there is value to both the Typhoon Missile Launcher/turret TLLC loadout and the TLMM/TL AssCan/hurricane bolters loadout as well. My "problem" with them isn't their effectiveness, it's just that both of them limit the overall utility of the vehicle as I wish to use it.

 

In the former case (TML/TLLC), you've turned the raven into a long-range gunship. Certainly works fine that way, but clearly suboptimal if you're also using it as an assault vehicle with assault units aboard. The TLMM is simply way more reliable ... especially if you're going to be up close to the enemy. And isn't that the primary purpose of the vehicle? Just using it as a pure gunship seems wasteful. You're paying points for the transport capacity and immunity from melta double dice!

 

In the latter case (TLMM/TL AssCan/hurricane bolters) you've definitely got the brutal assault vehicle down. That is a LOT of deadly close-range firepower! I just think it's overkill considering that you're probably toting along a brutal assault unit and possibly a dreadnought as well. It seems wasteful of the machine spirit, ultimately. I think it's more beneficial to the GK army -- which has very little long-range firepower outside of dreadnoughts, to not take advantage of the far-seeing and nearly 360-degree vision of a turret TLLC. Shots of opportunity will always present themselves to a heavily outnumbered army. And the stormraven is mounted high enough that virtually no target will get cover against the TLLC.

 

Your mileage may vary, of course. But that's my thinking....

[Prathios]

IMHO, there are two optimal loadouts for Stormravens in GK armies.

 

1. twin-linked multimelta, twin-linked lascannon turret, hurricane bolter sponsons

 

2. twin-linked multimelta, twin-linked assault cannon turret

 

As useful as the Typhoon missiles are, the raven already comes with four awesome anti-infantry missiles. And the TLMM is a superior tank-hunting weapon by far. Besides, don't we already have psyflemen for that long-range Str 8 goodness? The stormraven is one of the GK army's most likely units to be in the enemy's face. The TLMM is one of the few places we can get melta weapons, and it's reliable, and it's on a platform that can use it quickly and reliably. And it's a free upgrade! (Whereas the Typhoon missile launcher has to be paid for.) I can see no reason for ever taking anything other than the TLMM for the primary hull weapon.

 

So really the loadout question to me comes down to: what to pair with the TLMM? If points are sparse, I take the TL AssCan. It's a versatile weapon capable of popping light armor and tearing up infantry. This makes sure the Stormraven is capable of tackling any type of enemy unit: be it MC, armour, or infantry.

 

If you've got 30 pts to spare, I take the TLLC turret and hurricane bolter sponsons. Again, this ensures that the stormraven continues to be capable of shredding either armour, MC hides, or infantry. But the TLLC adds an extra anti-tank weapon, as well as an added dimension of longer range. You can TLMM targets up close, and use the machine spirit to target units virtually anywhere else on the table. Very useful!

 

I will admit that there is value to both the Typhoon Missile Launcher/turret TLLC loadout and the TLMM/TL AssCan/hurricane bolters loadout as well. My "problem" with them isn't their effectiveness, it's just that both of them limit the overall utility of the vehicle as I wish to use it.

 

In the former case (TML/TLLC), you've turned the raven into a long-range gunship. Certainly works fine that way, but clearly suboptimal if you're also using it as an assault vehicle with assault units aboard. The TLMM is simply way more reliable ... especially if you're going to be up close to the enemy. And isn't that the primary purpose of the vehicle? Just using it as a pure gunship seems wasteful. You're paying points for the transport capacity and immunity from melta double dice!

 

In the latter case (TLMM/TL AssCan/hurricane bolters) you've definitely got the brutal assault vehicle down. That is a LOT of deadly close-range firepower! I just think it's overkill considering that you're probably toting along a brutal assault unit and possibly a dreadnought as well. It seems wasteful of the machine spirit, ultimately. I think it's more beneficial to the GK army -- which has very little long-range firepower outside of dreadnoughts, to not take advantage of the far-seeing and nearly 360-degree vision of a turret TLLC. Shots of opportunity will always present themselves to a heavily outnumbered army. And the stormraven is mounted high enough that virtually no target will get cover against the TLLC.

 

Your mileage may vary, of course. But that's my thinking....

 

I took this train of thought as well. I think the Asscan and MM were a great choice for free. I found 30 points for the hurricane bolters too steep for me as the price quickly goes over a land raiders. I think its standard loadout with heavy armor and lights is a great standard kit to take. Versatility and in your face assaultiness is the idea right? That's why I never took standard land raiders either, I felt the MM and Asscan was a better kit for a transport.

[Red Lost Soldier]

I've been using the TML/TLLC load out recently, and it's been paying off quite nicely. Primarily against Tyranids, where I can spend 1-2 turns taking wounds from MC's, whittling down Hive Guard or instant killing Warriors (I'm not using Psyflemen) before heading into the fray. Also when you move flat out you get that one extra shot, and once the MS missiles are gone (usually first turn against a Tervigon), the 2 small blasts can help with the horde. Not a big fan of Hurricane bolters in a GK army, plenty of that elsewhere.

 

Also I've learnt another nifty trick. I was making a list the other day and had 2pt spare (due to acolytes being 4pt of awesomeness), so I put searchlights on my SR and Dreadnought. In DoW set up, often enemies will deploy aggresively believing that night fight will spare them from harm for at least a turn. However the SR can move flat out, shoot one weapon at a priority target, thus also illuminating it with the searchlight for the rest of your army. You can't hide from the Ordo Malleus.

[number6]

I've been putting a searchlight on my Stormraven for almost exactly the same reasons. :lol:

[Lord Sirrion]

So, played a game today proxying a stormraven and...HOLY CRAP!! This thing is amazing! i'm definetly sold on the multi-melta/las/hurican bolter setup. I know it's the perfect storm of awesome, but I killed 4 vehicles in two rounds using this thing and the machine spirit, then zoomed over and shot the crap out of some infantry using the huricane bolters!

WOOT!

[Cmdr Shepard]

I need you assistance fellow Stormraven pilots <_<

 

I'm planning to use a stormrave in a 1500pts game against Necron. I was looking for a fast vehicle that can attack necron destroyers remaining out of their weapons' range and the only vehicle with these sepcifications seems to be the stormraven.

 

I was thinking about LasCannon/ Typhoon ML configuration. Few shots but they should take care of those small destroyers squads. The Stormraven mobility should keep out of enemy range. In the case of "auto-glance" event I'll put a Tech-Marine inside it cargo bay.

 

What do you think? Can I use it and still be competitive?

Any suggestion about tactics and equipment?

 

Thank You.

[number6]

I'm planning to use a stormrave in a 1500pts game against Necron. I was looking for a fast vehicle that can attack necron destroyers remaining out of their weapons' range and the only vehicle with these sepcifications seems to be the stormraven.

The longest range guns we have are dreadnoughts with two sets of twin-linked autocannons and psybolts.

 

IMHO, the stormraven is too expensive to use as a long-range gunship. You can just about get two dreads for the price of one Stormraven.

 

Honestly, what you want to do whenever possible is engage the Necrons in close combat. Getting a unit -- and a dreadnought! -- to smash Necron face in? That's a good use for a Stormraven. :)

[Cmdr Shepard]

I'm planning to use a stormrave in a 1500pts game against Necron. I was looking for a fast vehicle that can attack necron destroyers remaining out of their weapons' range and the only vehicle with these sepcifications seems to be the stormraven.

The longest range guns we have are dreadnoughts with two sets of twin-linked autocannons and psybolts.

 

IMHO, the stormraven is too expensive to use as a long-range gunship. You can just about get two dreads for the price of one Stormraven.

 

Honestly, what you want to do whenever possible is engage the Necrons in close combat. Getting a unit -- and a dreadnought! -- to smash Necron face in? That's a good use for a Stormraven. :)

Exactly ;). So do you think it is competive tactic?

 

With 2 Stormravens I could reach Necron unit asap and smash them. However I fear I'll reduce the models count too much. What do you think?

A twin linked plasma cannon can thin out Necron ranks before the charge.... just my thought.....

What's your opinion about an embarked Tech-Marine?

[number6]

With 2 Stormravens I could reach Necron unit asap and smash them. However I fear I'll reduce the models count too much. What do you think?

Your goal is phase-out. The more 'crons you can outright wipe out the better. Yes, you'll leave your assault units stranded in the open to shooting retaliation ... but the ability to outright kill off units with a victorious combat and successful sweeping advance is really brutal against Necrons because it denies them WBB rolls and gets them that much closer to phase out. In close combat at least: GKs >> Necrons. And we don't fare too badly in the shooting dept, either. Our stormbolters >> Warrior Gauss Rifles. About the only units that really threaten GKs with their shooting are Destroyers. If you can catch them and beat them up in assault -- which Stormravens can help you do -- that's what I'd do. Dakka'ing the destroyers down with dread autocannon fire -- or mass servitor/razorback heavy bolter firepower -- is also worth doing ASAP. I am doubtful that a quality Necron player will let you get your psycannons into range easily or quickly.

 

A twin linked plasma cannon can thin out Necron ranks before the charge.... just my thought.....

I am not personally a fan of the TLPC on Stormravens for GK armies. I think the TLAC is more versatile than a TLPC and the TLLC more necessary -- as I discussed above in a previous post -- than a TLPC. Undoubtedly the TLPC is super deadly to Necrons in particular, but for general, taking on all comers purposes, I wouldn't ever take it.

 

What's your opinion about an embarked Tech-Marine?

Um. Yes? ^_^

 

I like the GK techmarines. A lot. Having trouble integrating them into a list I like, but I too have considered putting him onboard a stormraven. With Terminators, actually. Gives them a flamer and plasma and a couple of power fist attacks, too. And possibly a chance to keep the Stormraven in the air a bit longer.

 

I think he's definitely viable, that is. He's just very expensive. I have not yet been able to stomach the points cost for my lists. That is to say, I haven't yet been willing to build a list around the techmarine's strengths. I've only considered him as a useful add-on. So he's not yet made the cut.

[Cmdr Shepard]

Your goal is phase-out. The more 'crons you can outright wipe out the better. Yes, you'll leave your assault units stranded in the open to shooting retaliation ... but the ability to outright kill off units with a victorious combat and successful sweeping advance is really brutal against Necrons because it denies them WBB rolls and gets them that much closer to phase out. In close combat at least: GKs >> Necrons. And we don't fare too badly in the shooting dept, either. Our stormbolters >> Warrior Gauss Rifles. About the only units that really threaten GKs with their shooting are Destroyers. If you can catch them and beat them up in assault -- which Stormravens can help you do -- that's what I'd do. Dakka'ing the destroyers down with dread autocannon fire -- or mass servitor/razorback heavy bolter firepower -- is also worth doing ASAP. I am doubtful that a quality Necron player will let you get your psycannons into range easily or quickly.

So Stormraven is a fast way to bring GK closer to necrons, putting them out of business for good. The more transports the better. Am I right?

 

I like the GK techmarines. A lot. Having trouble integrating them into a list I like, but I too have considered putting him onboard a stormraven. With Terminators, actually. Gives them a flamer and plasma and a couple of power fist attacks, too. And possibly a chance to keep the Stormraven in the air a bit longer.

 

I think he's definitely viable, that is. He's just very expensive. I have not yet been able to stomach the points cost for my lists. That is to say, I haven't yet been willing to build a list around the techmarine's strengths. I've only considered him as a useful add-on. So he's not yet made the cut.

 

If I remove the Tech-Marine (I have even equiped him with rad/psycho nades) I can field a second stormraven. Tech-Marine to keep the lone stormraven in the air a bit longer or a second stormraven to transport another unit?

 

Thank you for your help :)

[RolandTHTG]

Simple answer - two is one, one is none.

If you can fit in two SR, they are worth more than the SR + TM combo. not only are you bringing two units instead of just one, but stick a librarian in and you can summon more w/o scatter. You are also less vulnerable to that golden bb first shot, that takes out the storm raven 1st turn. I say go with the two SR and get two squads in his face, not just one.

[Cmdr Shepard]

Simple answer - two is one, one is none.

If you can fit in two SR, they are worth more than the SR + TM combo. not only are you bringing two units instead of just one, but stick a librarian in and you can summon more w/o scatter. You are also less vulnerable to that golden bb first shot, that takes out the storm raven 1st turn. I say go with the two SR and get two squads in his face, not just one.

Since I'm going to play just a 1500 pts game I cannot field a Librarian. I prefer 2000 pts matches for a reason :( . However I can use a second stormraven.

 

First Stormraven: TL LasCannon, Typhoon ML. The high S low AP weapons should counter destroyers with a 12" of advantage while it transport a Strike Squad.

Second Stormraven: I can field only a 205 pts one. I don't know if equipping it with LasCannon or TL Plasma Cannon. The second should pose a huge threat to Necron squads. What hull weapon is better for that match? Heavy Bolters or Multimelta for a high S, low AP shot against high T targerts? Currently I'm inclined to use Heavy Bolters.

 

I still have 12 points available. If I remove a model from one of the three Strike Squads I could buy some upgrade for the stormravens. A Typhoon for the second vehicles or hurrican bolters.

 

What do you think, stormraven pilots?

[Brovius]

TLMM/TLAC/HurrB Stormies are pretty awesome.

Alternatively, a TLLC/TLHB/HurrB Stormie for close-up harassment, and you can still PMS the TLLC into tanks/multi-wound models.\

 

I'm toying around with the idea of a PlasCan Storm also. Yet to playtest with it though.

[DarkGuard]

Simple answer - two is one, one is none.

If you can fit in two SR, they are worth more than the SR + TM combo. not only are you bringing two units instead of just one, but stick a librarian in and you can summon more w/o scatter. You are also less vulnerable to that golden bb first shot, that takes out the storm raven 1st turn. I say go with the two SR and get two squads in his face, not just one.

Since I'm going to play just a 1500 pts game I cannot field a Librarian. I prefer 2000 pts matches for a reason :) . However I can use a second stormraven.

 

First Stormraven: TL LasCannon, Typhoon ML. The high S low AP weapons should counter destroyers with a 12" of advantage while it transport a Strike Squad.

Second Stormraven: I can field only a 205 pts one. I don't know if equipping it with LasCannon or TL Plasma Cannon. The second should pose a huge threat to Necron squads. What hull weapon is better for that match? Heavy Bolters or Multimelta for a high S, low AP shot against high T targerts? Currently I'm inclined to use Heavy Bolters.

 

I still have 12 points available. If I remove a model from one of the three Strike Squads I could buy some upgrade for the stormravens. A Typhoon for the second vehicles or hurrican bolters.

 

What do you think, stormraven pilots?

 

For the second I'd go for plasma cannon and MM if you want to hurt Necrons. Unless I'm mistaken the MM can insta-kill Destroyers, while the accurate plasma cannon should slaughter bunches of troops. Most Necron players I now clump those troops up for the Res Orb, so that plasma cannon should hit a lot.

 

I'm interested to see how the plasma cannon does. If I even do Blood Angels or Grey Knights (or if they ever release Storm Ravens for C:SM, one can dream eh?) I'd be interesting in the plasma cannon as the turret weapon. Despite the efforts of some people my LGS is still a power armour heavy environment, so while assault cannons are better for mech, the plasma cannon is better for those squads once they're out. It's twin-linked so should hit dead on most of the time. I wouldn't know what to take with it though, the MM for continuation of high strength, low AP, and the ability to take out tanks. The heavy bolter for if I run into horde armies? Or the typhoon missile launcher for the compromise and range? I know that I prefer the look of the typhoon missile launcher though, and the plasma cannon, so that could be how I run it ;).

[number6]

Unless I'm mistaken the MM can insta-kill Destroyers

Destroyers are Toughness 5.

[DarkGuard]

Unless I'm mistaken the MM can insta-kill Destroyers

Destroyers are Toughness 5.

 

Fair enough, I couldn't remember if they were Toughness 4(5) or Toughness 5.

[Cmdr Shepard]

For the second I'd go for plasma cannon and MM if you want to hurt Necrons. Unless I'm mistaken the MM can insta-kill Destroyers, while the accurate plasma cannon should slaughter bunches of troops. Most Necron players I now clump those troops up for the Res Orb, so that plasma cannon should hit a lot.

 

I'm interested to see how the plasma cannon does. If I even do Blood Angels or Grey Knights (or if they ever release Storm Ravens for C:SM, one can dream eh?) I'd be interesting in the plasma cannon as the turret weapon. Despite the efforts of some people my LGS is still a power armour heavy environment, so while assault cannons are better for mech, the plasma cannon is better for those squads once they're out. It's twin-linked so should hit dead on most of the time. I wouldn't know what to take with it though, the MM for continuation of high strength, low AP, and the ability to take out tanks. The heavy bolter for if I run into horde armies? Or the typhoon missile launcher for the compromise and range? I know that I prefer the look of the typhoon missile launcher though, and the plasma cannon, so that could be how I run it :D.

 

So Plasma Cannon for second stormraven is a go ;) .

Maybe I can remove a model from a Strike Squad and add typhoon ML.

I made a quick calculation about Multi Melta/ Heavy Bolter efficiency against Necrons. The only advantage of Heavy Bolter is range. In order to reach MM range I can fire, under certain circumstances, Heavy Bolter twice.

 

1 TL MM shot, hit on 3+ (roll repeatable), wounds on 2+, no armour save: 0.73 kills per turn

3 TL Heavy Bolter shots, hit on 3+ (repeatable), wound on 3+, saved on a 3+ roll: 0.59 kills per turn (However HB can fire from 36", thus it may fire in the turn when stormraven is more than 24" away from target)

2 S8 Typhoon missiles: hit on 3+, wounds on 2+, no armour save: 1.1 Kills per turn with a 48" range.

 

If you see an error let me know, I made this calculation in a hurry :)

 

So in the end it seems typhoon ML should justify the removal of a single model from a Strike Squad.

 

What do you think?

 

Unless I'm mistaken the MM can insta-kill Destroyers

Destroyers are Toughness 5.

 

Fair enough, I couldn't remember if they were Toughness 4(5) or Toughness 5.

Even though they are T5 they are still wounded on 2+. Beside in order to benefit from WBB rule they must be within 6" from a model of the same type, thus within 6" from another destroyer unit.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

[DarkGuard]

The big thing about the Typhoon launcher and MM in my books is the melta rule, and the points cost of course. In an all comers list I can see the MM winning out because of mech, and in particular Land Raiders. Especially for Grey Knights where they don't get any melta beyond a few vehicles and Henchman. Don't get me wrong, I like the Typhoon, but I've always found two missile launchers underwhelming, while 3-4 is gold. So although the Typhoon looks better, I think I'll be saving points and sticking for melta, especially in Grey Knights where melta is scarce. Don't forget that AP1 means you can kill on the glance as well :D.

[Cmdr Shepard]

The big thing about the Typhoon launcher and MM in my books is the melta rule, and the points cost of course. In an all comers list I can see the MM winning out because of mech, and in particular Land Raiders. Especially for Grey Knights where they don't get any melta beyond a few vehicles and Henchman. Don't get me wrong, I like the Typhoon, but I've always found two missile launchers underwhelming, while 3-4 is gold. So although the Typhoon looks better, I think I'll be saving points and sticking for melta, especially in Grey Knights where melta is scarce. Don't forget that AP1 means you can kill on the glance as well :D.

I strongly agree. However since I equipping the Stormrave to fight Necron for the incoming match Melta rule is of no use. In any other scenario MM is a better investiment but against necron tends to be of marginal use. However two 6 can kill a Monolith (6-2+1=5). I have a Vindicare and Warp Quake for anti-monolith tasks but additional help is always welcom. Two consecutive 6 are not very frequent, though ;)

[Brother Dylan]

I think the bigger case for the typhoon is not its anti tank capabilities but its role in being both anti tank and anti infantry. The frag missile complements our shadow strike missiles and hurricane bolters quite nicely, the price is the killer though.

[Cmdr Shepard]

I think the bigger case for the typhoon is not its anti tank capabilities but its role in being both anti tank and anti infantry. The frag missile complements our shadow strike missiles and hurricane bolters quite nicely, the price is the killer though.

That's sure. Luckily I can still equip my second stormraven with a typhoon for the incoming match if I remove a model from a Strike Squad and I think I'll do it.

 

By the way I wonder if I should embark a dread on a Stormraven during the aforementioned. In that case I suppose the CCW is needed. I can deliver S10 attacks, instant killing destroyer. A Dread is even invulnerable to destroyers' CC attacks.

A standard "psybolt" dread does not ignore Necron's armour, so a CCW can be a quicker way to dispose them, especially when the walker fly across the board inside a stormraven...

 

just my opinion....

[Massaen]

I run a pair either TL MM & TL LC or TLMM & TLAC with Psybolts...

 

I prefer the first variant as its cheap!

 

I also hang a dread off each - TL Auto cannon, psybolts, DCCW...

[Red Lost Soldier]

I standard Dreadnought with either MM or AC, and DCCW will be well worth it, especially against Necrons. I find it useful against most armies, if only to tie up a second squad while the other contents (usually GKT for me) targets another squad. Reinforced Aegis on the move can be handy also.