++ Gods of the Arena - A World Eaters Community ++

[Commissar K.]

Thanks for your replies guys! Certainly looking for more experience. As said Im on the fence :D I think Spartans, Rhino's and Pods are all fine choices and in reality the reason why Im drawn to the Dreadclaw also comes from it's visual design. It looks mean and fitting for World Eaters. Even the way it hates/effects Sorcerers (perhaps) is something that narratively speaking appeals to me, even though that's only a 1/6 chance.
 

The thing I like about the Spartan and where in my mind it beats out the Drop Pods is the amount of Fire Power you get out of it. With the Kharybdis or the Dreadclaw you just don't get the same level pew pew and in an Army lacking in dakka I think the Spartans capabilities are invaluable. That said, I absolutely agree with your considerations for the Dreadclaw and I think it would be an excellent means of getting Zerkers up close where they need to be. 

 

 

Absolutely agree with the ranged offense, though I do wonder how much we need it with a Dreadclaw as alternative....
The prime reason I'm saying this is because a Dreadclaw should be able to harras it's opponents aswell, much like a Helldrake in that context just with a transport attached to it aswell.

The Heldrake is most certainly faster and slightly more capable by itself thanks to the Baleflamer but at the same time we have the cheaper Dreadclaw doing practically the same in melee and the auto-hitting Pistol is fine aswell as it affects every enemy unit in the area. Better put on very close range it's practically doing the same as the Heldrake next to being a Transport.

I guess the key thing I like about the Dreadclaw is that after the drop the model itself isn't done for as with a regular Drop Pod. So the plan is to drop Berzerkers on one side and basically have the Dreadclaw attempt to harras others aswell :D 
 

I'm also tempted by the dreadclaw- a World Eaters drop army just seems like an extremely cool concept and extremely fluffy. However, disembarking 9" away is still only a 50/50 shot of making it in with a berzerker squad, even with an icon. I do really like it as a delivery system for a CC Contemptor, though.

Absolutely agree, though I do think that for narrative reasons Im totally okay with 50/50 chances. Likewise I too think the transport options for this model are very cool. 

Guess the next step is buying two Drop pods and the upgrade kits. As said I'm excited by the 130 point cost decrease and think it might work out well whilst also being narratively speaking a cool thing to include.

All in good time Xmas comming up though ;) 

[Bloody Legionnaire]

I'm also tempted by the dreadclaw- a World Eaters drop army just seems like an extremely cool concept and extremely fluffy. However, disembarking 9" away is still only a 50/50 shot of making it in with a berzerker squad, even with an icon. I do really like it as a delivery system for a CC Contemptor, though.

Lol.. Sounds like you need a Space Wolves Blackmanes Army if you want a bunch of CC units out of Drop Pods 

 

Thanks for your replies guys! Certainly looking for more experience. As said Im on the fence I think Spartans, Rhino's and Pods are all fine choices and in reality the reason why Im drawn to the Dreadclaw also comes from it's visual design. It looks mean and fitting for World Eaters. Even the way it hates/effects Sorcerers (perhaps) is something that narratively speaking appeals to me, even though that's only a 1/6 chance.

 

The thing I like about the Spartan and where in my mind it beats out the Drop Pods is the amount of Fire Power you get out of it. With the Kharybdis or the Dreadclaw you just don't get the same level pew pew and in an Army lacking in dakka I think the Spartans capabilities are invaluable. That said, I absolutely agree with your considerations for the Dreadclaw and I think it would be an excellent means of getting Zerkers up close where they need to be. 

 

 

Absolutely agree with the ranged offense, though I do wonder how much we need it with a Dreadclaw as alternative....

The prime reason I'm saying this is because a Dreadclaw should be able to harras it's opponents aswell, much like a Helldrake in that context just with a transport attached to it aswell.

 

The Heldrake is most certainly faster and slightly more capable by itself thanks to the Baleflamer but at the same time we have the cheaper Dreadclaw doing practically the same in melee and the auto-hitting Pistol is fine aswell as it affects every enemy unit in the area. Better put on very close range it's practically doing the same as the Heldrake next to being a Transport.

 

I guess the key thing I like about the Dreadclaw is that after the drop the model itself isn't done for as with a regular Drop Pod. So the plan is to drop Berzerkers on one side and basically have the Dreadclaw attempt to harras others aswell  

 

 

So in this instance how do you plan to mitigate high toughness/high wound units like MC, tanks, and superheavies? Or is the idea to tie the latter up and mostly cause them to be ineffective? 

[OPTIMVSCHRISTVS]

The dreadclaw probably would be great at charging into things you don't want shooting- it's tough enough to suck up any overwatch it runs into and has a long enough move that, once it's down, you should be able to charge just about anything on your opponent's side of the board with the right positioning. It doesn't need to kill them, just needs to keep them distracted so your zerks can do the real killing. In this respect, I think the Dreadclaw does synergize quite well with us- the problem lies in making that first charge once you deepstrike.

[Commissar K.]

 

I'm also tempted by the dreadclaw- a World Eaters drop army just seems like an extremely cool concept and extremely fluffy. However, disembarking 9" away is still only a 50/50 shot of making it in with a berzerker squad, even with an icon. I do really like it as a delivery system for a CC Contemptor, though.

Lol.. Sounds like you need a Space Wolves Blackmanes Army if you want a bunch of CC units out of Drop Pods 

 

Thanks for your replies guys! Certainly looking for more experience. As said Im on the fence I think Spartans, Rhino's and Pods are all fine choices and in reality the reason why Im drawn to the Dreadclaw also comes from it's visual design. It looks mean and fitting for World Eaters. Even the way it hates/effects Sorcerers (perhaps) is something that narratively speaking appeals to me, even though that's only a 1/6 chance.

 

The thing I like about the Spartan and where in my mind it beats out the Drop Pods is the amount of Fire Power you get out of it. With the Kharybdis or the Dreadclaw you just don't get the same level pew pew and in an Army lacking in dakka I think the Spartans capabilities are invaluable. That said, I absolutely agree with your considerations for the Dreadclaw and I think it would be an excellent means of getting Zerkers up close where they need to be. 

 

 

Absolutely agree with the ranged offense, though I do wonder how much we need it with a Dreadclaw as alternative....

The prime reason I'm saying this is because a Dreadclaw should be able to harras it's opponents aswell, much like a Helldrake in that context just with a transport attached to it aswell.

 

The Heldrake is most certainly faster and slightly more capable by itself thanks to the Baleflamer but at the same time we have the cheaper Dreadclaw doing practically the same in melee and the auto-hitting Pistol is fine aswell as it affects every enemy unit in the area. Better put on very close range it's practically doing the same as the Heldrake next to being a Transport.

 

I guess the key thing I like about the Dreadclaw is that after the drop the model itself isn't done for as with a regular Drop Pod. So the plan is to drop Berzerkers on one side and basically have the Dreadclaw attempt to harras others aswell  

 

 

So in this instance how do you plan to mitigate high toughness/high wound units like MC, tanks, and superheavies? Or is the idea to tie the latter up and mostly cause them to be ineffective? 

 

The latter really, tie up and screw around, Heldrake style. The melee offense of the Dreadclaw's isn't amazing but it's something. Same applies to the Heldrake in many scenario's also. Melee isn't too interesting. What is interesting though is that auto-hit pistol for the claw.

 

Will still have to test it, no idea if the plan will work out. What I do know is that Heldrake spam can lead to the time required to push through :)

 

The dreadclaw probably would be great at charging into things you don't want shooting- it's tough enough to suck up any overwatch it runs into and has a long enough move that, once it's down, you should be able to charge just about anything on your opponent's side of the board with the right positioning. It doesn't need to kill them, just needs to keep them distracted so your zerks can do the real killing. In this respect, I think the Dreadclaw does synergize quite well with us- the problem lies in making that first charge once you deepstrike.

It's how I see it aswell, granted I don't see making that first charge or failing it as a huge problem, at least it's not a problem that can always automatically be fixed by any of the vehicle alternatives.

 

The Spartan is awesome too, don't get me wrong! I'm just trying to look for alternatives and 130 points for the Dreadclaw soon does seem like a very decent alternative. It's no Rhino costed Transport but 130 does feel very affordable for the ultility it gives?

[OPTIMVSCHRISTVS]

Why not both? You could absolutely throw together a list with a Spartan and 2 Dreadclaws, and the low number of drops will give you first turn 5/6 times. This discussion is getting me thinking in that direction...

[Commissar K.]

Why not both? You could absolutely throw together a list with a Spartan and 2 Dreadclaws, and the low number of drops will give you first turn 5/6 times. This discussion is getting me thinking in that direction...

Yeah same here, it will probably lead to that anyway. Alternatively it leads to more Dreadclaws But again I really have to give them a go first. Two are ordered now and while that probably will not be enough it's at least something to start with on a smaller scale...

 

As before though I still feel comfortable with the idea because while 130 point's isn't particular cheap either I really like the duality. This duality is indeed also found on the Spartan however with the upcomming Chapter Approved I do believe it's cost was increased?

 

In many cases

http://www.flava.co.nz/media/1340098/old-el-paso-taco-girl.jpg?mode=crop&width=620&height=349&quality=60&scale=both

 

Is the best awnser anyway

 

Meanwhile, a Chaos Spawn is in production! But I really have to find a place to get more Khorgoraths. I don't know why GW still arn't selling these seperate.... The Beast of Nurgle are comming up allready...

 

http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/tgacommunity/monthly_2017_12/20171210_231539.jpg.b7fa88093a8d4c615c7f631d3dbf8995.jpg

 

Edited December 11, 2017 by Commissar K.

[Sagentus]

Defo contemplating some dreadclaws now after reading everyones input. I will probably but drop pods and convert them though as i dont have the money to buy the FW ones :( 

 

Commissar - the Khorgorath is a great idea for a spawn! I think the head looks a little to small for the body here though. ebay's always a good source for Khorgorath's, often pondered buying one and conveting it into a DP with wings :D 

[Commissar K.]

Defo contemplating some dreadclaws now after reading everyones input. I will probably but drop pods and convert them though as i dont have the money to buy the FW ones

 

Commissar - the Khorgorath is a great idea for a spawn! I think the head looks a little to small for the body here though. ebay's always a good source for Khorgorath's, often pondered buying one and conveting it into a DP with wings  

Yeah going with the converted variant is just as awesome too!

 

I completely agree with you on the small head. The thing is that I havnt found alternatives I liked too much otherwise. With a Bloodthirster head I feel the model looks like it's a Bloodthirster with Dwarfism. The torso is massive (Bloodthirster sized) and it's limbs are simply said much smaller. 

 

This variant is more akin to that of a brute or bane-like figure but I'm okay with it. I also really wanted it to look like something Bloodletters could have made because the fun fact with them for Age of Sigmar is that they are a by-product of Bloodletters tinkering with beasts that ended up in the Realm of Khorne. All cool background material if you ask me.

 

Back to the Dreadclaw discussion!

 

I believe that it's a very potent unit and really something that could be the next go-to for us. The moment the 130 points where spoiled I really had to look at the datasheet again to see what it does. To my suprise in terms of power I'd say it floats somehwere between the Heldrake and a Foetid-Bloat Drone but in reality its now much cheaper as either.

 

As a warning to myself and others I do not expect it to be 130 points forever either, especially not if it pans out as it does on paper for me. While it certainly isn't a Spartan Assault Tank it's mobility and capability make it a whole different beast altogether. The beautiful design it has over the regular Drop Pod is offcourse the fact that it can harras quite well too. A funny thing is that it's Power points actually match that of the Heldrake. If I had to give it a "propper cost" I would also likely put it on 150-165 points or akin to that.

[Sagentus]

If you have a spare DP head maybe try to use that and attach the horns of the bloodletter some how? when it comes to spawn I suppose there is no rules on size and how they look. 

 

Defo tempted to get a few dreadclaws after hearing what you've put about them. .... Also tempted to get a couple fo defilers and convert them slightly .... could make for an interestinf list :D  

[OPTIMVSCHRISTVS]

@ Commissar: Digging that Spawn- gives the impression of a guy who almost made Daemon Prince but had his prize snatched away at the moment of his apotheosis.

 

And the Spartan's points are going to stay the same as far as I saw from the leaks

 

@ Sagentus: Do please share if you end up converting up a Dreadclaw- I have probably 7 unpainted drop pods laying around that I'd love to convert to something usable. 

[Sagentus]

I was going to do something similar to the links below 

 

http://darkfuturegaming.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/diy-cheap-chaos-dreadclaws-part-1.html

 

and 

 

https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/644526.page

 

As you can see from some of the ones off the dakka link it is pretty easy to give them a personalised touch with extra bits 

[Commissar K.]

If you have a spare DP head maybe try to use that and attach the horns of the bloodletter some how? when it comes to spawn I suppose there is no rules on size and how they look. 

 

Defo tempted to get a few dreadclaws after hearing what you've put about them. .... Also tempted to get a couple fo defilers and convert them slightly .... could make for an interestinf list   

Yeah it's on there allready But I do think there are indeed some great articles to convert a Dreadclaw of your own. I mean there is little much to it as adding claws to the bottom and door from a visual perspective. To me this means we can certainly use Tyranid claws aswell as logically speaking a Warp Power Dreadclaw can look like anything as long as it's drop pod like and claw like.

 

Just watched a nice video of how to assemble the Forgeworld kit but quite frankly a regular Droppod with claws attached will also do very well. So those fortunate enough to have those kits allready really only need to 'chaotify it' as far as Im concerned.

 

 

@ Commissar: Digging that Spawn- gives the impression of a guy who almost made Daemon Prince but had his prize snatched away at the moment of his apotheosis.

 

And the Spartan's points are going to stay the same as far as I saw from the leaks

Thanks! That was indeed the plan, I like how it's not too over mutated but clearly there is something going wrong there You also are right about the Spartan, don't know where I got that part of information. Still think the combination of Dreadclaws and Spartans can be very awesome!

 

I also think this variant of the conversion is very awesome:

http://natfka.blogspot.nl/2015/08/whats-on-your-table-dreadclaw-conversion.html

 

Edit: And with the recent Necromunda Bulkhead doors we can even re-create an awesome door for the Berzerkers to come out of the 'bottom' of the Dreadclaw.

 

 

Cheers,

Edited December 12, 2017 by Commissar K.

[OPTIMVSCHRISTVS]

Hmm, looks like I might need to figure out how to work with plasticard. See if I can't come up with an idea for a Sarum-pattern Dreadclaw...gah I have too many things in the pipeline.

[Commissar K.]

Hmm, looks like I might need to figure out how to work with plasticard. See if I can't come up with an idea for a Sarum-pattern Dreadclaw...gah I have too many things in the pipeline.

 If you feel like it consider a recipro saw for MDF claws aswell. Easy Job too.

[GreaterChickenofTzeentch]

Fun little thing I'm going to be trying with my WE Warlord:

 

Chaos Lord.....Double Chainswords, Flames of Spite Warlord Trait (any 6 to wound is a Mortal in CC). 2 Chainswords plus Legion Trait on the charge is 7 attacks I think....hitting on 2's, rerolling 1's. Send him in next to an Exalted Champion and pop Vets of the Long War so that you're effectively getting Mortals on 5+, rerolling failed wounds.

 

God forbid you charge something Imperial. :)

 

Hilarity should ensue. Will let you folks know how it goes.

Edited December 14, 2017 by GreaterChickenofTzeentch

[Commissar K.]

Sounds great. My vision of the day is that I keep adding more Berzerkers to my army and removing other choices. The power of the Power Fisted Champ gets tons done.

Dreadclaw confirmed great, just cram 10 in there and strike where needed. Will likely not find the room for two in every list but one is a guaranteed keeper.

[Sagentus]

what list did you your Commissar? If you can only get one, is it worth having 8 bez (chainaxe/ chain sword), champ with PF/chain sword and Khârn?  

[Commissar K.]

what list did you your Commissar? If you can only get one, is it worth having 8 bez (chainaxe/ chain sword), champ with PF/chain sword and Khârn?  

2K list which still needs to be finetuned but basically includes Khârn and 2 Exalted Champs, 4 units of Zerkers, 4 transports (including two claws), 3 Helbrutes and is otherwise very light on HQ I'd say, it's mainly there to ensure some CP's are still around for Veterans of the Long War and Fire Frenzy. Mind you I couldn't finish the game (time) and frankly speaking it will be 2018 for another test because I've got so much to do with the army. My Zerkers are still half finished and in reality the conversions required to make them WYSIWYG will thake a while. 

 

If you can only get one Dreadclaw I would say cram it up! 8 + Khârn will work just fine however having 10 Berzerkers often allows for a less punishing result for kill points. Using one will spell the death of that transport but the insane ammount of attacks a 10 man Berzerker unit can create is absolutely sufficient to bring down pretty much anything but a super heavy. I feel that if you put Khârn or more characters in there too he might dish out the damage though with 9" clearity from enemies it's a whole lot less consistent in reaching combat as it is with Berzerkers who have the Icon of Wrath. Making that charge at key moments is just very important, 10 Berzerkers rarely need more support. Though I will give this more tests in the future too.

 

I will say though that I'm going back and forth on the idea of using 3 to 4 Berzerker units and still have to test if I like that too, with 4 I did end up with 1 Rhino + Berzerker unit that basically did little to nothing and for sure it's fun to have that many but they should serve an additional purpose.

Lastly, in budget terms, keep in mind that I feel converting a Droppod to a Dreadclaw is a very logical choice too. I don't feel you need the FW kit perse to represent it and most of the time 2 of them will lead to giving a competitive edge while allowing you to mainly play World Eaters as your prime and only Legion. Its no Slaanesh 10 Terminator with Combi Plasma shebang but at the same time it doesn't cost as much either and in melee it does come close to that. All that said I can certainly recommend 1 to 2 Dreadclaws for every semi-competitive to competitive based World Eater armies. Rhino's are a fine choice too but they become all the better if you have flank or rear pressure on your opponents force to lead them into more Berzerkers.

 

 

Edited December 18, 2017 by Commissar K.

[GreaterChickenofTzeentch]

Here's the way I'm planning on running the Claw:

 

2x 5 Berserkers. Each with 3 x Plasma Pistol, 1 x Power Fist, 1x Icon of Wrath

 

As a note, they will drop in next to a Lord in Terminator Armor (with Talisman of Burning Blood) and 7 terminators with Icon of Wrath. The termies are a mixed bag, but have a fair number of Combi-Plasmas.

 

That's a whole lot of Plasma that can be safely overcharged due to the Lord, and then the whole shebang can charge in with rerolls.

 

BTW: To make a good rough copy of an Anvilus Pattern Pod, take 1 Drop Pod, bits order 5 extra fins, then glue the doors shut and glue the inverted extra fins to the doors at whatever height you desire in order to make landing legs. add some blades/spikes to the legs and some bits for hydraulics at the top. Then, add a tank hatch, Rhino/Land Raider door, or Necromunda bulkhead door (possibly with some cutting on that last one) to the bottom, with Green Stuff and/or plasticard to clean up any gaps.

 

Done.

 

I personally have 3 set up like that and they look great.

 

One final note: The WE have a long and storied history with the Dreadclaw. Khârn even starts the Traitor's Hate fluff embarked in one.

Edited December 18, 2017 by GreaterChickenofTzeentch

[OPTIMVSCHRISTVS]

+1 on using Rhino doors for the bottom hatch, didn't even think of it and it just so happens I've got like 4 extras laying around. This may be easier than I thought.

 

Think you can post up some pics of your conversions?

[GreaterChickenofTzeentch]

+1 on using Rhino doors for the bottom hatch, didn't even think of it and it just so happens I've got like 4 extras laying around. This may be easier than I thought.

 

Think you can post up some pics of your conversions?

Maybe in a few days when I get the WE one at least base coated. I used the top hatches from CSM tanks, personally, with spacers to make them look slightly bigger. I also attached smoke launchers to the pintles to make them look like the frag launchers that Claws had last edition. As a result, it's not going to look as pretty as the stuff many of you folks could do (I've seen some great plasticard bottoms for Claws on here), but it will serve. I imagine that the main thing you want to see is the legs.

[Commissar K.]

Yeah any higher Drop Pod should do, ideally mount it up on a Flyer base to pull all the attention to it ;) As long as it's largely GW made all should be fine too.
I still really hope that GW will ever create a Dreadclaw in plastic, not just for WE, but Ive had that hope since early 2000's so it's probably not on the horizon any time soon.

Still working on my test scheme Berzerker too but man, so many details, just wasn't used to them all being in hard to find places since the AoS adventure started xD despite that though I do think the end result will be neat. Hope to share that later this week.

Cheers,

[GreaterChickenofTzeentch]

FYI, I'm leaving in about an hour to play a 2000pt game against Primaris-heavy Deathwatch. Will give a general description of the result soon, including how "Double Chainsword Guy" did.

[GreaterChickenofTzeentch]

FYI, I'm leaving in about an hour to play a 2000pt game against Primaris-heavy Deathwatch. Will give a general description of the result soon, including how "Double Chainsword Guy" did.

List is as follows: 2000pts, Battalion + Vanguard, 7 CP (6 after 2nd Relic)

 

"Double Chainsword Guy" discussed earlier (Flames of Spite, Collar of Borghaster)

 

Exalted Champ w/Combi-Melta and Power Axe

 

Dark Apostle w/Combi-Bolter and Power Maul

 

Terminator Lord w/Talisman of Burning Blood, Combi-Bolter, Power Axe

 

7 Terminators w/Icon of Wrath, 3 Combi-Plas, 2Combi-Melta, Heavy Flamer, Dual Lightning Claws, Power Maul, 2 Power Axe, Power Fist, 2 Chainfist

 

5 Khorne Berzerkers, 3 Plasma Pistols, Power Fist, 2 Chainaxes, 2 Chainswords, 2 Bolt Pistols, Icon of Wrath

 

5 Khorne Berzerkers, 3 Plasma Pistols, Power Fist, 2 Chainaxes, 2 Chainswords, 2 Bolt Pistols, Icon of Wrath

 

7 Khorne Berzerkers, Power Axe, 2 Chainaxes, 4 Chainswords, 7 Bolt Pistols, Icon of Wrath

 

Rhino, 2 Combi-Bolters, Havoc Launcher

 

Dreadclaw

 

Hellforged Contemptor, Chainclaw, Multi-Melta, Combi-Bolter

 

Helbrute, Multi-Melta, Power Scourge

 

Maulerfiend, 2x Lasher Tendrils

 

Maulerfiend, 2x Magma Cutters

 

I know model count is low, but there is some beefy stuff in here that should really put the pressure on and stress target priority. I already have a friend who plays both Bike WE with Daemon Summoning and Black Legion Berzerker Infantry Horde, so I wanted something a little different.

[Panzer]

Does Deathwatch have any advantage by taking Primaris anyway? I mean something else than vanilla Marines, Blood Angels or Dark Angels?