Bonzi Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 This is a thread dedicated to unknown and unloved units units that defy the meta and become heroes doing so. I'm posting this because it seems like when I play it is the oddball units that take the spotlight and carry the game. Example #1: In the last few games I've run a Company Command Squad with two grenade launchers and an astropath mounted in a Chimera. I've played this unit aggressively and advanced into the face of enemy fire rather than the typical sit back and shoot. Those two silly grenade launchers, the most unloved of all our special weapon options, have done more damage than many of the other more mainstream/meta parts of my army. They've killed six Sternguard in heavy cover in one game, dropped a Toxicrene in another, and blasted an enemy CCS and a unit of veterans to bits in the most recent game. In contrast my very expensive plasma guns have killed me more than they've killed the enemy in the last couple games. Example #2: I have an Armored Sentinel in my collection called Golden Gloves. Everyone my gaming store knows Golden Gloves and they make a point of targeting him from the onset because the model consistently defies the odds and his designated role. His name originates from the first three games I used him where he failed to get a single kill with his autocannon, but he kicked a DE Raider and an Ork Buggy to death in close combat, and in one game he kicked five tactical marines to death. In a recent game Golden Gloves snap fired his lascannon, which he had missed with against ground targets the previous four turns, at a SM Storm Raven....hit, pen, explodes, crash and burn on a unit of friendly scouts that were holding an objective. Example #3. I run Primaris Psykers but I don't use them for Divination. In one game I had the telekinesis powers of Crush and Levitate. At the end of the game my Primaris was the only model I had remaining. On his own and unsupported against a heldrake and a Chaos Lord on a jugger my brave Primaris flew across the board in two turns and scored me linebreaker which won the game. I made a mindboggling number of refractory field saves that game. This is the same Primaris who has a number of close combat kills that would put most Space Marine Captains to shame...the most note worthy being a challenge kill against a beast of a DE Archon kitted for close combat. I encourage others to put forward their dark horse units who have defied the odds and earned their place in your armies ranks. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarriorFish Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Mortars for me, they've always done well. Cheap and a useful backfield scorer they relentlessly lob death on the enemy, killing and pinning and generally being a pain in the backside for the enemy. Indirect fire weapons are great as they can almost always fire at something and plinking away reduces the enemy numbers for when they close with the rest of the army. Plus Sentinels of all stripes, the flexibility they give is great but they often perform better than you may think. Whether tying up or stomping enemies to death or inflicting damage on weaker vehicle armour I'm rarely displeased with what they do :) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3970569 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonzi Posted March 7, 2015 Author Share Posted March 7, 2015 Mortars for me, they've always done well. Cheap and a useful backfield scorer they relentlessly lob death on the enemy, killing and pinning and generally being a pain in the backside for the enemy. Indirect fire weapons are great as they can almost always fire at something and plinking away reduces the enemy numbers for when they close with the rest of the army. Plus Sentinels of all stripes, the flexibility they give is great but they often perform better than you may think. Whether tying up or stomping enemies to death or inflicting damage on weaker vehicle armour I'm rarely displeased with what they do Mortars are a fantastic example of a dark horse unit. Cheap as chips yet they get no love in our world of autocannons and lascannons, but every game I've taken one I usually get one really fantastic hit that kills multiple models or snipes out a special weapon carrier. Totally worth 5 points. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3970761 Share on other sites More sharing options...
scatmandoo Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 I second grenade launchers. Have had limited success with Sniper SWS too. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3970816 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idlem Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 My Master of Ordnance has incredible luck with his scatter dice. Even when I have to use all three dice he either rolls low on the distance or just right to hit something else nearby. Most folks ignore him nowadays but I never make a list without him. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3970893 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andhil Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 I like Ogryns/ Bullgryns. Way back, before C:AM, I ran Ogryns when I played vs. SM. One of the funniest moments we remember is of his Captain being smashed into the ground by 4 angry Ogryns. But since the new 'dex, the Bullgryns have taken the spotlight for me. (Well, honestly it's the Wyvern, but that's no dark horse! ) I've used them in different ways: as a Vanguard for my push, as mobile cover for my CCS, or a Counter-Attack unit for plugging holes in my lines and stopping CC units. All of these to varying degrees of success, so I settled on a healthy mix of Counter-attack and Mobile cover. They haven't killed a Bloodthirster yet, but I'm confident they will at some point! (Handy tip: Throw in a Priest for extra smashyness! And/or re-rollable saves if you're lucky!) Then, my Valkyries with MRP. Oh, the havoc they wreak! Also, Enginseers. Free PotMS on Lemans is awesome. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3970946 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chefzilla Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 I love my Master of Ordinance. I'm not sure if this qualifies but my Tempestor Prime took out 3 Hellbrutes in close combat. I've always used him but will never not after that. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3970974 Share on other sites More sharing options...
march10k Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 Pasquisher...everyone raves about Punisher Pask and ridicules anyone who takes a different variant...I've fielded Pask in a Vanquisher 17 times...16 times, he lived! Now, he tends to turn that auto-pen of his into a "crew shaken" (that the necron player promptly ignores), but preserving 16/17 warlord points is quite an accomplishment for IG, and then there was that time that Pasquisher and his squadron killed three TMCs in three turns, causing my opponent to concede! Yeah, he's supposed to be anti-tank, but... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3971048 Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarriorFish Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 If it works march... ;) I'll also add Eradicators as I was having great fun with them before the fantastic points drop. When that pie plate hits all but Marines you're sure to do some damage, the reliability of it and an AV14 vehicle has made them a real workhorse for tackling any horde problems. Mix with some artillery (e.g. Mortars and/or Wyverns...) and you can laugh enemy infantry off the board! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3971409 Share on other sites More sharing options...
scatmandoo Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 Another unit I am having success with is the Valkyrie. I know the Vendetta is better mostly but there is no better way to get 10 men to where you want on the board than a valk. Low threat rating and flyer helps. Another is ogryn that I have trialled a couple times with a priest or commissar. Also a PCS or SWS with flamer or heavy flamer loadout is just crazy deadly to the right opponent. And especially with open-topped vehicles! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3971448 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoffeeGrunt Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 Devildogs. God I love my Devildog, it rarely hits and it's a bit pricey, but man is it a threat. My Manticore is probably a close second, people don't appreciate it until it's Immobilising their Land Raiders turn one and Instant Deathing their T5 units. :) I also have a particular Sergeant model who gained the name Susanoo after taking the Bring It Down order to kill a Hive Fleet Orochi Carnifex with his Bolter. After that, his exploits have included picking off a friend's Space Wolves with said Bolter, and leading a Demolitions squad to bring down a Stompa in CC. He survived the Superheavy Explosion by Going to Ground, dusting himself off under the Commander's admittedly impressed command to lead the other survivors of his squad to hold a point. I also have a Chem Dog called Shovel Guy who is incredibly lucky with avoiding Wounds and making saves.. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3971789 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommodusXIII Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 I built an entire army around a Deathstrike Missile Launcher, so... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3971824 Share on other sites More sharing options...
librisrouge Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 My Scions. I now have Kasrkin models for them and they've yet to fail me. In fact, they often out perform the Knights they're currently on assignment with. Some people ridicule the poor stormtrooper (scion is a stupid name) but I really dig them. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3971913 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulrik_Ironfist Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 I have no experience playing IG, I do have experience playing with and against them. I have seen Armored sentinels do some amazing things. One fellow at my last local GW ran armored sentinels to great effect. He used them with plasma cannons which was pretty effective. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3971938 Share on other sites More sharing options...
spafe Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 Havent played in a long time, but last time my cadian 88th took to the table my dead mans hand (2 armoured sentinals with autocannons and 3 scouts with multi lasers) wont me a number of games, practice games against tau went down a treat, outflanking scouts poping up the side to be joined by the armoured pair marching along a board edge while my chrimeras and russ's distracted the heavier tau weaponry. Then in the games I'd built the army for, the nurgle death guard troops high T did nothing for them against high volume, high strength shots, followed by the remaing 4 dead man hands coming to the rescue of a platoon and company command by tieing up 45 zombies in combat while the men retreated. Sentinals all the way! (kudos and cookies to anyone who knows what inspired the name, regiment and narrative enemy game). Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3972051 Share on other sites More sharing options...
vampyrerodent Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 As many others have mentioned, Sentinels are my favs. Armored, Scout, whichever, they have always done me proud. They tend to get ignored with the Chimeras and Punishers getting all the attention. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3972293 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulrik_Ironfist Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 Havent played in a long time, but last time my cadian 88th took to the table my dead mans hand (2 armoured sentinals with autocannons and 3 scouts with multi lasers) wont me a number of games, practice games against tau went down a treat, outflanking scouts poping up the side to be joined by the armoured pair marching along a board edge while my chrimeras and russ's distracted the heavier tau weaponry. Then in the games I'd built the army for, the nurgle death guard troops high T did nothing for them against high volume, high strength shots, followed by the remaing 4 dead man hands coming to the rescue of a platoon and company command by tieing up 45 zombies in combat while the men retreated. Sentinals all the way! (kudos and cookies to anyone who knows what inspired the name, regiment and narrative enemy game). I'm guessing it has something to do with you having 5 things in that group (a reference to the size of the hand in 5 card poker), The fact that there are 2 armored sentinels with Autocannons (Aces?) and the fact that it's the Cadian 88th (8's?). Aces and eights being the dead man's hand in poker. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3972353 Share on other sites More sharing options...
librisrouge Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 Beat me to it. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3972377 Share on other sites More sharing options...
spafe Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 All correct, although I invented none of it, I put it together after reading Cadian blood, which have them in (load out isn't specified so I improvised that bit). Have lots of kudos and cookies on me :) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3973022 Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarriorFish Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 Those kudos and cookies are not munitorum approved, I'll have to confiscate them I'm afraid. For unrelated reasons, Elmo, meet me in the commissariat's office for some refreshments... tea or coffee? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3973049 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulrik_Ironfist Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 GIVE ME MAH COOKIES!!!! AND MAH KUDOS!!!!! MAH CARE PACKAGE!!!! *cocks bolt pistol*, We'll play a game of "I win" for them. Rule number one I win. You'll face the fury of Fenris if you don't fork em over... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3973267 Share on other sites More sharing options...
spafe Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that that game isn't Commisariat approved... Just saying... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3973272 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black_out Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 I came here for the cool stories....but stayed for the cookies.... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3973276 Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarriorFish Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 I came here to hear someone talk about Rough Riders... I might be disappointed Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3973296 Share on other sites More sharing options...
librisrouge Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 Commissar Warriorfish, I actually have a squad of 10 and the bits set aside to finish a complete platoon...that will likely never happen. They aren't Dark Horses, they're dead horses, and my enemy keeps beating them. I want them to be good, I really, really, do. If they were a viable option they'd be in every list. They need a Rough Rider Platoon formation that would let them outflank and maybe another advantage or two. Sadly, it will likely never happen since GW is trying to phase out anything they aren't supporting with models. I would not be surprised if they're absent from out next codex even. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/304342-dark-horse-units/#findComment-3973322 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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