Outfitting the Acolytes

[Firepower]

A bit of a separate question, and this might be better off as a new topic in General PCA Questions subforum, but at the same time I feel it belongs here as well so, here goes:

 

Aside from arming the Acolytes in terms of lists, how do you all actually plan on arming them as models? I saw a few posts in here talking about similar problems. Additionally, I have absolutely 0 experience with IG models (the most likely stand ins for Acolytes). But from what I hear and what I can see on sprue pics, anything but a lasgun is gonna be a trick due to it being molded right along the arm. The most likely substitute for Bolters would be Scout arms, but I have heard previously they dont fit IG torsos quite right and a whole scout model as an acolyte would seem kinda weird to me. Storm bolters are a total mystery: maybe a stationary bi-pod setup akin to Heavy Weapon teams?

 

For special weapons like Plasmas and Meltas, the only immediate source I see involve either pricey Forgeworld resins or even pricier (in bulk) metal Cadians sold in their own blisters...

 

At least CC options like DCAs are easy enough with the new DE sprues, as most pointed out.

[Drudge Dreadnought]

In case you forgot, DCA are also WS5. Yes they're strength 4, but they strike at Initiative 6. Flagellants strike at initiative 3. They will be torn apart before they get to strike.

 

Hammerhand makes all my Deathcult Assassins Strength 5 as well. In a squad of 8 DCA/3 Crusaders + Inquisitor, this makes them 32 I6 S5 Power Weapon Attacks on the Charge. Flagellants can't compare, even if they have higher base strength and attack.

 

Flagellants get 5 on the charge, DCA get 4 (2 attacks base, +1 for having two power weapons, +1 for charging). 4 attacks that ignore saves are better than five that don't.

 

Unless you are fighting something with an invulnerable save, armor value, or higher toughness. And everyone is Initiative 10 with Quicksilver. There are a lot of potential match ups where arcos will pull ahead.