Just finished my first escalation match... need help.

[-Devil-]

Just had my first go at trying Space Wolves ... our local shop has started an escalation league. so i picked them as my army of choice. 

 

here is a quick rundown of what i have to work with for the current restrictions. 

 

500 point limit and these special rules for the next 2 weeks.

 

*Combat Patrol Rules are as follows:

 

You must stay within the allotted points limit. You must use this FOC; 1 – HQ, 1 – 3 Troops, 0 – 1 Elite, 0 – 1 Fast Attack, 0 – 1 Heavy Support, 0 – 1 optional additional troop, elite, fast attack, or heavy support.

 

You must field at least one HQ and one troop choice. HQ choices are limited to non-named characters only. You may not field additional FOC chart slots other than the ones listed, including choices which do not take a Force Organization slot.

 

No models in your army may have more than 2 wounds with the exception of HQ choices, troop choices, and swarms.

No vehicle may have a base armor value greater than 12 on any facing.

 

what i tried, because i missread the build allowance was this 

 

1 Rune priest

2 8 man squads of Grey Hunters. 

 

my points total was 488 (not sure if i can post details of them without getting in trouble) 

 

most of what it appears i will be playing against are this .. 2 Grey Knights, 2 Eldar, 1 Dark Eldar, 1 Ork, 2 Necron ... (that i saw today) 

 

i played 3 matches, first one was against Orks. which were not to much of an issue .. other then the Killa Kans and Dakka Jet ... i won that one

second match was Grey Knights (a new player like me) i won it by 1 point.

third match was Dark Angels with a lot of landspeeders (2 squads) i lost that one badly. 

 

on all three games i never got within melee range ... but i was trying to just run across the board. so some sort of transport or drop pod is needed. 

 

the biggest challenge was the flyers or more heavy stuff, and having a bit more range ... 

 

i am looking for suggestions on what to gather up and such for my next match to give me a better chance ... maybe a group of Long Fangs? or some Bikes? 

 

the 500 points is limiting ... after that it goes up to 750 

 

** Restricted FOC:

Same rules as Combat Patrol with the following FOC:

1 – 2 HQ, 1 – 6 Troops, 0 – 2 Elite, 0 – 2 Fast Attack, 0 – 2 Heavy Support, 0 – 1 optional additional troop, elite, fast attack, or heavy support choice.

[Rift Blade]

Don't know what you have for models but here goes. What you stated you played with comes to 340 pts bare bones. Drop 2 GH's from each pack, give both Razorbacks(HB's) & add 1 pack of LF's with 3 HB's & 2 ML's. Does not leave you with any real pts to upgrade anything but gives your 2 packs of GH's some mobility & extra fire power as well as giving you fire support with the LF's. You could drop one more GH & put your RP in with one of the GH packs or stick him with your LF's with divination powers. Good luck.

[-Devil-]

what i started with box was is this 

 

1 sw battlebox

2 sw pack (basic troops)

1 razorback

1 thunderwolf calvary 

 

and some random SM bits and bodies. 

 

i could do the one razorback and one drop pod

 

i do not think i have any heavy bolters though for the LF's ... but have plenty of rocket launchers.

[Denison512]

I've found a LF pack with 2 PC and 3 HB works well lately. Though 5 man Long Fang Missile spam is always a good option. In terms of flyers grab and Aegis for now. Space Wolves have few options for AA all we have a few options from Forgeworld but those are pricey so the Aegis will work well for now.

[-Devil-]

I've found a LF pack with 2 PC and 3 HB works well lately. Though 5 man Long Fang Missile spam is always a good option. In terms of flyers grab and Aegis for now. Space Wolves have few options for AA all we have a few options from Forgeworld but those are pricey so the Aegis will work well for now.

 to clarify, what weapon are you referring to with the PC? ... 

 

i am looking into a normal SM devastator squad box this coming paycheck ... to have a few more options besides just the rocket launchers that i have plenty of ... the LF pack is sounding like a must needed option for sure ... 

 

for an aegis line .. i can take something like that at 1000 points ... it was a bit of a surprise seeing flyers today at 500 points .. was not expecting it. 

 

which FW stuff were you referring to? i have yet to read through most any of those books ... FW isn't allowed for this league anyway. but that new Storm Wing i could take later on ... 

 

with some quick re looking over my roster this is what i have came up with so far

 

1 rune priest

10 grey hunters (drop pod)

4 long fangs (+1 for their pack leader guy) 

 

that with most options comes out to 500 if the LF are equipped with RLers ...

[Castellan Michael]

PC is plasma cannon, same range as the heavy bolters (HB). Gives you some ap2 to go with the volume str5 fire from the heavy bolters.

[-Devil-]

PC is plasma cannon, same range as the heavy bolters (HB). Gives you some ap2 to go with the volume str5 fire from the heavy bolters.

 

ah okay. so that would be covered in a devastator box then as well ... what is the advantage of it over the lascannon? is it the blast? 

[Castellan Michael]

The only benefit is the small blast template causing more potential hits, the draw back is "gets hot" and no over watch. That is both of the reasons i run them with HBs if I run long fangs with that load out. 

 

...and their matching range.

[-Devil-]

The only benefit is the small blast template causing more potential hits, the draw back is "gets hot" and no over watch. That is both of the reasons i run them with HBs if I run long fangs with that load out. 

 

...and their matching range.

 

ok. haven't played with any HW before other then a flamer with my Orks  i will have enough to build up each so i can have ones to rotate out and try. 

[Castellan Michael]

Most escalation leagues i have played in it was all about getting the most out of your points and a PC will save you 5pts over a Lascannon. I personally would just keep it simple, adaptable and cheap and run just missile launchers.

 

As far as buying a devastator kit, it is a must when playing space wolves.

[-Devil-]

Most escalation leagues i have played in it was all about getting the most out of your points and a PC will save you 5pts over a Lascannon. I personally would just keep it simple, adaptable and cheap and run just missile launchers.

 

As far as buying a devastator kit, it is a must when playing space wolves.

 

yeah i can do the missile launchers now ... and work out something for the squad leader with what bits and bodies i have already ... 

 

i have added the devastator kit to my list of stuff to get a hold of. 

[Castellan Michael]

 

I've found a LF pack with 2 PC and 3 HB works well lately. Though 5 man Long Fang Missile spam is always a good option. In terms of flyers grab and Aegis for now. Space Wolves have few options for AA all we have a few options from Forgeworld but those are pricey so the Aegis will work well for now.

 to clarify, what weapon are you referring to with the PC? ... 

 

i am looking into a normal SM devastator squad box this coming paycheck ... to have a few more options besides just the rocket launchers that i have plenty of ... the LF pack is sounding like a must needed option for sure ... 

 

for an aegis line .. i can take something like that at 1000 points ... it was a bit of a surprise seeing flyers today at 500 points .. was not expecting it. 

 

which FW stuff were you referring to? i have yet to read through most any of those books ... FW isn't allowed for this league anyway. but that new Storm Wing i could take later on ... 

 

with some quick re looking over my roster this is what i have came up with so far

 

1 rune priest

10 grey hunters (drop pod)

4 long fangs (+1 for their pack leader guy) 

 

that with most options comes out to 500 if the LF are equipped with RLers ...

As far as forge world there are a few options regarding no allies-

 

 

Flyers- Storm eagle (own one great model expensive to buy and pricey as far as game points), Fire Raptor (never used one also expensive, but does pack lots of fire power), Caestus assault ram (horrible option regarding anti-air as all its weapons are templates).

 

Support- hyperios Air defense platform (Best regarding game points, and can taken in groups and add in a command platform for multiple targets) 

 

here is some home made ones-http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/281702-hyperios-defence-missile/

 

Tanks- Whirlwind Hyperios (i have used a regular whirlwind as one many a times no one has ever complained), and a land raider helios.

 

to get back to your original questions regarding your choices for the 500 point game, I would add in a long fang squad for sure. As far as MEQ i usually never loose, and your right orks are a breeze. Some missile carrying long fangs should hurt those dress wearing land speeders especially with a RP with divination.

[Castellan Michael]

 

Most escalation leagues i have played in it was all about getting the most out of your points and a PC will save you 5pts over a Lascannon. I personally would just keep it simple, adaptable and cheap and run just missile launchers.

 

As far as buying a devastator kit, it is a must when playing space wolves.

 

yeah i can do the missile launchers now ... and work out something for the squad leader with what bits and bodies i have already ... 

 

i have added the devastator kit to my list of stuff to get a hold of. 

a pack leader is just like a base wolf guard or blood claw, close combat weapon (chain sword) and a bolt pistol.

[-Devil-]

 

 

Most escalation leagues i have played in it was all about getting the most out of your points and a PC will save you 5pts over a Lascannon. I personally would just keep it simple, adaptable and cheap and run just missile launchers.

 

As far as buying a devastator kit, it is a must when playing space wolves.

 

yeah i can do the missile launchers now ... and work out something for the squad leader with what bits and bodies i have already ... 

 

i have added the devastator kit to my list of stuff to get a hold of. 

a pack leader is just like a base wolf guard or blood claw, close combat weapon (chain sword) and a bolt pistol.

looks like i need to get familiar with green stuff ... there are only so many arm poses for chain swords that i have found so far hah ... 

[-Devil-]

another question relating to my league matches .... we are now in the 750 point range .... this is what i have done so far ... 

 

 

1 rune priest (runic armor, power weapon, storm bolter) (living lightning, jaws) 

 

10 grey hunters (1 flamer, 1 plasma, 1 mark of the wolfen) in a drop pod

10 grey hunters (1 flamer, 1 plasma, 1 mark of the wolfen) on foot

5 long fangs (4 rockets, 1 squad leader)

1 lone wolf (term, storm shield, chainfist, mark of the wolfen) (2 fen wolves) 

 

on the lone wolf is the chainfist and motw ok to have together? didn't seem clear in the rulebook .. and Army Builder let me select it but still unsure exactly how they work together. 

 

everything else has been ok, may drop the storm bolter from the RP to free up points to use elsewere. 

 

biggest problem armies i have ran into so far has been Necrons and Eldar ... the heavier armor is a challenge to deal with ... 

[Denison512]

Motw and Chainfist don't work together you use either or.

 

A Bolt pistol/bolter on the priest should be fine you should be using pyshic powers mainly in the shooting phase if you're using book powers.

 

Mech Eldar are a pain in the ass no real easy answer for Necrons i suggest bopping 2 meltas into your pod and blaming the armour turn one. Even if you don't go that route i recommend sticking both flamers in the pod just so you can push your alpha strike that little bit better. That way you can keep you plasma wolves back at a safe distance.

[-Devil-]

Motw and Chainfist don't work together you use either or.

 

A Bolt pistol/bolter on the priest should be fine you should be using pyshic powers mainly in the shooting phase if you're using book powers.

 

Mech Eldar are a pain in the ass no real easy answer for Necrons i suggest bopping 2 meltas into your pod and blaming the armour turn one. Even if you don't go that route i recommend sticking both flamers in the pod just so you can push your alpha strike that little bit better. That way you can keep you plasma wolves back at a safe distance.

 

ok so it is just a coding error that allows them both to be selected in the program ... 

 

hmmm now to decide which i want to use more 

 

yeah the priest very rarely even shoots ... it is psychic abilities each turn (from SW codex) 

 

haven't tried melta's yet at all ... the plasma's worked ok other then one of em blowing himself up first shot. 

[infyrana]

MotW says they use the claws and teeth to make the attacks and special weapons do not affect them, so there's no point having both, one can't use the other.

[Rune Priest Jbickb]

It should.be noted that selecting both is legal, but as mentioned you can only use motw or the chainfist, so it is a waste of points

[Plan-B]

Just wondering but are you sticking the rune priest with the long fangs or with the grey hunters on foot? If your putting with long fangs remember you can take divination psychic powers from the rulebook so you can get re-rolls on those missle launchers. Also you could take living light/ storm for the 5+ cover save if they have none since jaws would be pointless with the fangs.  Lone wolfs are awesome and should at the very least either draw fire from your opponent or be ignored until they get close enough to be a problem which is good either way. Good looking list and good luck keep us up to date :)

[-Devil-]

Just wondering but are you sticking the rune priest with the long fangs or with the grey hunters on foot? If your putting with long fangs remember you can take divination psychic powers from the rulebook so you can get re-rolls on those missle launchers. Also you could take living light/ storm for the 5+ cover save if they have none since jaws would be pointless with the fangs. Lone wolfs are awesome and should at the very least either draw fire from your opponent or be ignored until they get close enough to be a problem which is good either way. Good looking list and good luck keep us up to date

right now mostly the RP has been with the grey hunters on foot ... but i may try him with the long fangs (they have normally been the first target anyone goes after) on the next points increase i will likely add a second HQ for sure.

the lone wolf so far everyone has ignored till it was to late ... other then one Grey Knight player that now focuses on him first ... since it has destroyed his dread 3 times and a rhino with squad inside 2 times.

[Denison512]

Remember if your LW survives the enemy gets a VP get him killed towards the end of the game! :P A Drop pod RP with grey hunters is really nasty i recommend giving it a go!

[-Devil-]

Remember if your LW survives the enemy gets a VP get him killed towards the end of the game! A Drop pod RP with grey hunters is really nasty i recommend giving it a go!

so far the LW has only survived once, it was against a person playing eldar .. that his main warmy was SW so he understood about him ... basically kited him around the table .. and kept everything out of range of him.

going to give having the RP with different groups a try soon. and look into some the other psychic powers .. normally have just stuck with living lightning and jaws of the world wolf ...

not for sure yet what i should try to focus on for the 1,000 point jump ... maybe another HQ for sure ... another group of LF maybe? ... more grey hunters? .. or some terminators ...

[Leif-thunderstand]

I would use my droppod Ghs. (265 pts) then LF with razorback (360 pts) threeman-show of thunderwolfcavilery (195 pts) and a wgbl with soth and twin wolfclaws, etc. (175 pts) for the 5pts left we can have a meltabomb.

[-Devil-]

I would use my droppod Ghs. (265 pts) then LF with razorback (360 pts) threeman-show of thunderwolfcavilery (195 pts) and a wgbl with soth and twin wolfclaws, etc. (175 pts) for the 5pts left we can have a meltabomb.

 

this is what i am thinking about

 

1 Runepriest

1 Runepriest 

 

10 GH / drop / motw 

10 GH / motw

 

6LF (5ML, 1 squad leader)

6LF (5ML, 1 squad leader)

6LF (5ML, 1 squad leader) 

 

i do have a rhino / razorback assembled and ready to try out as well ... still haven't opened the TWC box yet, not honestly sure how to equip them. but they would be one of the few multi wound units ... 

 

need to look more into having WG's as well ... 

 

played 2 more games against Tau last night ... won the first (was relic, so wasn't many points) ... lost the second, his flyer got real lucky and wiped out my LF's in one hit and i never could recover ... he won by 2 points.