Horus Heresy Tactica: Legion Terminator Squad Tactics

[Nova_Dew]

Yep, the only limit is a minimum of 2,000 points before you can take one and only one per main army

[PensacolaWarhammer]

@Cmdr Shepard

 

As Nova_Dew said, you are only limited by points, but then you can only have 1 in your army list. They are what the army list calls Lords of War, which primarch's are grouped under.

 

As for you're clarification of the Necron issue and people playing FW rules, I understand and agree. The last couple of codices that GW released before 6th edition seemed to throw the idea of balance out the window. Most of those issue have been addressed and taken care of in 6th edition. My personal favorite was what happened to Mephiston. However, the fact they can glance on a 6 is still no too big of an issue. A Land Raider Spartan has 5 hull points. I recently played a game where I unloaded 15 krak missiles into a regular Land Raider and could only glance it 3 times.

 

I fail to understand where the idea that armor transports are out in 6th edition. :huh: In 5th glancing a vehicle might give you a lucky vehicle destroyed. That possibility is gone now. Yes, you glanced my transport and I lose a hull point. But my transport is still moving.

 

The draw back with the sky ram is that it will start the game in reserves, so you'll have to roll to see if it comes in. Then when you allow your troops to embark or disembark from it, it has to "hover" changing it's type to skimmer. This will make hitting it easier. However, as you pointed out, it can ram things, which include tanks and other flyers.

 

As usual, I hope this helps, and keep bringing the questions.

[Cmdr Shepard]

Yep, the only limit is a minimum of 2,000 points before you can take one and only one per main army

 

That's still very interesting. I just ordered a copy of Horus Heresy Betrayal, alongiside other stuff, so with the Express UPS delivery I should have it in the next days (last time I receive it after about 3-4 days. I live in Italy so I'm not far away from UK ;) ). I can't way to read the book's army lists and fluff.

 

@Cmdr Shepard

 

As Nova_Dew said, you are only limited by points, but then you can only have 1 in your army list. They are what the army list calls Lords of War, which primarch's are grouped under.

 

As for you're clarification of the Necron issue and people playing FW rules, I understand and agree. The last couple of codices that GW released before 6th edition seemed to throw the idea of balance out the window. Most of those issue have been addressed and taken care of in 6th edition. My personal favorite was what happened to Mephiston. However, the fact they can glance on a 6 is still no too big of an issue. A Land Raider Spartan has 5 hull points. I recently played a game where I unloaded 15 krak missiles into a regular Land Raider and could only glance it 3 times.

 

I fail to understand where the idea that armor transports are out in 6th edition. :) In 5th glancing a vehicle might give you a lucky vehicle destroyed. That possibility is gone now. Yes, you glanced my transport and I lose a hull point. But my transport is still moving.

 

The draw back with the sky ram is that it will start the game in reserves, so you'll have to roll to see if it comes in. Then when you allow your troops to embark or disembark from it, it has to "hover" changing it's type to skimmer. This will make hitting it easier. However, as you pointed out, it can ram things, which include tanks and other flyers.

 

As usual, I hope this helps, and keep bringing the questions.

 

The last 5th codices, especially Necrons, are threatning to break the game balance. The problem with Necron auto-glance is the massed rapid fire shots. For example a squad of 20 Necron warriros can glance a standard Land Raider (all the ones with 4 HPs) in a turn of fire if they are at 12". However being at 12" of a Land Raider carrying a TDA squad means certain death for the Necrons. Once they unit disaembark those machine are about to become spare parts ;)

 

Entering from reserve is less difficult in 6th edition. If the Legion Astartes armies have some character and/or gear that modify reserve rolls (like GK, for example) it may be even easier.

If the Caestus enters the field on turn 2, the TDA can be deployed in turn 3 nearly everywhere on the table. A nice advantage.

The ability to ram thanks and other flyers is amazing and very fun anf fluffy (it has the ram word in its name for a reason) to see on the table. :P

 

I think I'll buy the Spartan in the future but sadly, as I mentioned before, the FW site says "Due to high demand there may be a delay in the despatch of the Spartan Assault Tank. We recommend ordering the Spartan Assault Tank separately from any other items you wish to order."

[PensacolaWarhammer]

@Cmdr Shepard

 

You can modify your reserve roll if you take an Imperial Guard ally with an Astropath, which you still can take allies with a Legion Astartes army. You can also modify your reserve rolls with a psyhic power. I think it's in Divination. As far as gear goes, I don't think they have anything, but I haven't got to the more nit-picky part of the wargear.

 

As for the glancing issue, I think that has given me an idea for another series of posts about the finer points of 6th edition.

[Cmdr Shepard]

@Cmdr Shepard

 

You can modify your reserve roll if you take an Imperial Guard ally with an Astropath, which you still can take allies with a Legion Astartes army. You can also modify your reserve rolls with a psyhic power. I think it's in Divination. As far as gear goes, I don't think they have anything, but I haven't got to the more nit-picky part of the wargear.

 

As for the glancing issue, I think that has given me an idea for another series of posts about the finer points of 6th edition.

 

If the Legion Astartes army can take fortifications we have another option: Comm Relay. We won't be able to filed the fortifications' usual weapon upgrades, though but if we don't need them and desire to get the Caestus (and/or other reserves) on the table asap it can be a good bargain.

[PensacolaWarhammer]

Yes, you can take fortifications as well. I haven't used or need to use a Comm Relay, so I've learned something. As you pointed out, if you're bring in a Caestus, you don't really need any weapons options.

[Cmdr Shepard]

Yes, you can take fortifications as well. I haven't used or need to use a Comm Relay, so I've learned something. As you pointed out, if you're bring in a Caestus, you don't really need any weapons options.

 

I never used it but I thought I can be a very good way to bring the Caestus and other reserves, if available, on turn 2.

 

Did the Legion Astartes armies have access to additional fortifications or just the rulebook ones?

 

Anyway the more I think about the image of a Legion TDA squad disembarking from a Caestus that rammed into an enemy vehicle in the previous turn the more I find it cool <_<

[PensacolaWarhammer]

So far you can only take the standard fortifications.

[SillyDreadnought]

3 of the 4 Rites of War eliminate Fortifications by the way. So if you want mass deep striking Terminators ( Orbital Assault ) you can't take Fortifications.

[Massaen]

Yep, the only limit is a minimum of 2,000 points before you can take one and only one per main army

 

That's not 100% true.

 

You may have a lord of war in a force of 2000 points or more. The Lord of war may not be more than 25% of the armies total value.

 

This means a war hound would need an army to be 3000 points to put in in while a thunder hawk would need nearly 4000 point forces!

[Cmdr Shepard]

3 of the 4 Rites of War eliminate Fortifications by the way. So if you want mass deep striking Terminators ( Orbital Assault ) you can't take Fortifications.

 

I was just thinking about a way to bring the Caestus with its TDA load on the table asap. ;)

 

Yep, the only limit is a minimum of 2,000 points before you can take one and only one per main army

 

That's not 100% true.

 

You may have a lord of war in a force of 2000 points or more. The Lord of war may not be more than 25% of the armies total value.

 

This means a war hound would need an army to be 3000 points to put in in while a thunder hawk would need nearly 4000 point forces!

 

Well a a war hound at 3000 pts it's still a nice thing. So at 2000 pts we can still field a "lord of war" up to 400 pts. Any suggestion?

 

So far you can only take the standard fortifications.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Back on your Terminators tactica: Do you suggest to always prefer the plasma blaster over the autocannon?

[Massaen]

2000 points means you have 500 points to spend on a lord of war.... 25% max

 

Basically the primarchs fit this well

[Cmdr Shepard]

2000 points means you have 500 points to spend on a lord of war.... 25% max

 

Basically the primarchs fit this well

 

25% right.... I don't know why I was thinking 20%, when I posted.... my bad ;)

So even a baneblade, if we can field it, could be played.

 

So the Primarchs are not "standard" HQ. Does it mean we have to field at least a standard HQ?

 

So I won't be able to play Horus at 2000pts.... I liked the idea of Horus leading a TDA unit...

Anyway I should receive the book in the next few days.... I hope ;)

[Massaen]

Horus fits in 2000 point lists... But yes you still need a HQ

[PensacolaWarhammer]

@Cmdr Shepard

 

Yes, I would favor the Plasma Blaster as it is basically two plasma guns taped together. It's S 7 AP 2 Assault 2. It doesn't haven't the range of the autocannon, so unless your squad is walking there's no need. Since your planning on loading your squad into some kind of transport, the plasma blaster is a much better choice.

[Cmdr Shepard]

Horus fits in 2000 point lists... But yes you still need a HQ

 

From the rumors I read I supposed Horus costed much more. Anyway I'll receive my HH book soon so I'll see all the option I have. :lol:

 

@Cmdr Shepard

 

Yes, I would favor the Plasma Blaster as it is basically two plasma guns taped together. It's S 7 AP 2 Assault 2. It doesn't haven't the range of the autocannon, so unless your squad is walking there's no need. Since your planning on loading your squad into some kind of transport, the plasma blaster is a much better choice.

 

It sounds a good plan.

I have a doubt about the "standard" ranged weapons. Do you suggest volkite, combi wepon or the out of the box combi bolter?

The twin linked bolter is nice but since Cataphractii they cannot use the twin linked with overwatch like Chaos TDA. Combi weapons are always useful, especially for TDA who disembark from a fast moving transport since they will likely be in the 2 shots range from plasma guns or possibly in the melta range. Volkite weaponery seems interesting but I suppose you have to take them in good numbers.

 

What do you think about mixing volkites with few combi weapons?

[Russ Brother 92]

Olde Horus is exactly 25% of that 2k Army - he's a pricey boy but he brings a LOT of punch to the table - him with a TDA unit could tear most things to shred...

 

I'd suggest the Volkite for it's ability to jump from man to man which could be nice if it's a hefty 20man unit you're up against, even the odds somewhat - otherwise I'd suggest plasma blasters and combi-melta/combi-plasma.

[PensacolaWarhammer]

@Cmdr Shepard

 

Again, with you loading up the squad in a transport, range is not going to be much of a problem. The combi-weapon and volkite charger are the same points. I would lean towards the whole squad having volkite chargers. It's a strength 5 weapon that also is assault 2. Basically, it's a bolter with +1 to its strength. The Deflageration rule that comes with the volkite weapon is helpful as you get an extra attack that is an auto hit for every unsaved wound done by your shooting.

 

I wouldn't take the volkite over the combi-weapon. If you have a full 10 man squad, you'll have two plasma blasters which will unload 4 shots. Taking extra combi-plasma would be overkill to the point that there wouldn't be a squad left, and nothing for your terminators to assault. The bonus to taking a comb-weapon as opposed to taking a volkite is the custom ability. With two plasma blasters, it would probably be best to take combi-melta or combi-flamer. With a combi-melta, your terminator squad is now a threat to infantry and vehicles. The draw back is that it's a one shot deal.

 

I'm not a big fan a mixing a lot of things into a unit. You have to think that the more you mix the less effective that unit actually becomes. "Jack of all trades, master of none." Whereas if you go with all volkite chargers or all combi-weapons, then the squad is more effective to doing their job.

 

It would boil down to what you plan on doing with your terminators. If they are just going to move around the board killing troop choices, then give them a power weapon with the, volkite chargers, and the plasma blaster. A more all perpuse squad would have 4 combi-meltas, 4 combi-flamers, 4 power fist, 4 power weapons, 2 plasma blasters. This would make them a threat to a higher number of units.

[Cmdr Shepard]

Olde Horus is exactly 25% of that 2k Army - he's a pricey boy but he brings a LOT of punch to the table - him with a TDA unit could tear most things to shred...

 

I'd suggest the Volkite for it's ability to jump from man to man which could be nice if it's a hefty 20man unit you're up against, even the odds somewhat - otherwise I'd suggest plasma blasters and combi-melta/combi-plasma.

 

I know Horus plus TDA unit is amazing ;) . I can't wait for his miniature to be released. I really like the Volkite's "jumping" ability. The more I think about Orks mobs the more I like it :lol:

 

@Cmdr Shepard

 

Again, with you loading up the squad in a transport, range is not going to be much of a problem. The combi-weapon and volkite charger are the same points. I would lean towards the whole squad having volkite chargers. It's a strength 5 weapon that also is assault 2. Basically, it's a bolter with +1 to its strength. The Deflageration rule that comes with the volkite weapon is helpful as you get an extra attack that is an auto hit for every unsaved wound done by your shooting.

 

I wouldn't take the volkite over the combi-weapon. If you have a full 10 man squad, you'll have two plasma blasters which will unload 4 shots. Taking extra combi-plasma would be overkill to the point that there wouldn't be a squad left, and nothing for your terminators to assault. The bonus to taking a comb-weapon as opposed to taking a volkite is the custom ability. With two plasma blasters, it would probably be best to take combi-melta or combi-flamer. With a combi-melta, your terminator squad is now a threat to infantry and vehicles. The draw back is that it's a one shot deal.

 

I'm not a big fan a mixing a lot of things into a unit. You have to think that the more you mix the less effective that unit actually becomes. "Jack of all trades, master of none." Whereas if you go with all volkite chargers or all combi-weapons, then the squad is more effective to doing their job.

 

It would boil down to what you plan on doing with your terminators. If they are just going to move around the board killing troop choices, then give them a power weapon with the, volkite chargers, and the plasma blaster. A more all perpuse squad would have 4 combi-meltas, 4 combi-flamers, 4 power fist, 4 power weapons, 2 plasma blasters. This would make them a threat to a higher number of units.

 

Sadly I haven't found the role for my TDA unit, not yet. I'll have to think about the rest of the army firts.

I agree with you on "Jack of all trades, master of none" when it comes to specializing weapons for a role. Your combi-weapons build seem a very balanced one. Combi-Plasma are truly overkilling, as you mentioned.

 

If I'll have dedicated anti-armour units in the army I suppose I could go for the volkite, otherwise the combi-weapons builds looks very balanced.

 

 

Thanks everyone for your advices. I wanted to know what accessory I need for my would be unit before buying them from FW site and you all helped me a lot.

 

I'm awaiting your next tactica Pensacola. I'll check your blog regularly.

[SillyDreadnought]

How I plan to run my line Terminators ( not Justarien ) for my Sons is 10 strong, dual reaper cannons and a healthy mix of power fists, combi flamers and matched lightning claws. A grenade harness rounds them out. I expect to pay around 400 to 450-odd points for the lot. I'm just not sure if I want them to be in Cataphract plate or a more 'modern' pattern like Tartaros or Indomitus.

[PensacolaWarhammer]

@SlllyDreadnought

 

If your squad is walking, I would suggest the more modern TDA patterns as you'll have the option to run.

 

@Cmdr Shepard

 

I may not get another tactica up until after Christmas, which is only a few days. I'll try and get it up sooner.

[Russ Brother 92]

also for you guys - the Justaerin's are up on FW plus a weapon set for them -> Justaerin and Justaerin Weapons

[Cmdr Shepard]

@Cmdr Shepard

 

I may not get another tactica up until after Christmas, which is only a few days. I'll try and get it up sooner.

 

I'll check your blog then... I know things gets a busy during Christmas period :lol:

 

also for you guys - the Justaerin's are up on FW plus a weapon set for them -> Justaerin and Justaerin Weapons

 

Since Sons of Horus are getting additional attention I hope Horus himself will be the next Primarch to be released.